SPARKcon is an interdisciplinary arts festival created by designers, artists and community organizers to celebrate creativity in the Triangle. SPARKcon will be held Sept. 16-20, 2010, on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. SPARKcon’s name comes from being a “con”ference to “spark” the local art community & brand the Triangle as “the creative hub of the South.” Each SPARK is planned by a committee of volunteer organizers. In 2009 SPARKcon showcased the talent of more than 1,100 artists. SPARKcon is a program of Visual Art Exchange.
The 2010 SPARKs will include: ideaSPARK –Community leaders, artists and entrepreneurs present their vision for improving the local community.

fashionSPARK – “Wear What You Are”— 15 designers will showcase original apparel and accessories in a runway event.

artSPARK
• 500 street painters will paint Fayetteville Street.
• Five art installations in PODS – Five local artists will be given Portable On Demand Storage Units to use as galleries for the event.
• Gallery – Fifty local artists will be featured in a gallery space on Fayetteville Street.
• Digital gallery – The work of 100 artists will be featured in a slide show.

musicSPARK – At least 90 musicians of various styles (including hip hop, bluegrass, opera and others) will perform in 15 venues.

filmSPARK - Local films and animated shorts will be presented on the Main Stage on City Plaza.

graffittiSPARK - Twelve graffiti artists will show off their skills and paint large canvases live during the festival.

bazaarSPARK - More than two dozen local crafters and designers will set up booths to sell their creations.

poetrySPARK- At least 60 of North Carolina’s most notable poets will stage readings and conduct workshops. These will be hosted by The Morning Times coffee shop and run throughout the event.

SPARKcon is completely grass-roots! It's not a city program, a non-profit, or an economic development stunt. It's an ever-growing group of passionate local people showcasing their talents and having a say in our community...would you like to play a part?