Demonstrations
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Demonstrations
Feel the creative energy come alive as talented local creatives share their craft through captivating live demonstrations throughout the venue. Below is the line-up, and we'll continue to populate this page with information over the coming weeks.
Victorian Photographic Studio
Join Leamington Spa Photographic Society for a unique opportunity to step back in time with their pop-up studio, inspired by the Victorian photographer Henry Peach Robinson. Dress in period coats and hats, and have your portrait taken in the style of the 19th century. Robinson, who opened his first photography studio in Leamington that the Courier announced in January 1847, was a key figure in the early development of photography. As Vice-President of the Photographic Society (now the Royal Photographic Society), his influence on photographic practice was immense. Don’t miss the chance to experience this hands-on demonstration, celebrating both his legacy and the art of portraiture.
Leamington Photographic Society Exhibition
Discover the beauty of Leamington and the local area through the lens of local photographers at the Leamington Spa Photographic Society’s exhibition at Spark Lite. Featuring stunning, mounted photographs captured by society members, this display highlights the incredible photographic opportunities the area has to offer. The images will be showcased on freestanding display screens, alongside a table featuring vintage cameras, memorabilia, and promotional materials. Visit the stall to engage with society members, who will be on hand to offer expert advice on all things photography, as well as discuss potential artistic and cultural opportunities. Whether you're an individual photographer or part of an organisation, this is an excellent chance to explore new creative possibilities.
EmbodyXR®
An immersive, dance art game that uses physical movement and digital storytelling to reduce the impact of anxiety in young people. Choreograph your mind-body connection for better mental health. Mercurial Dance will be running a demo level for people aged 13+ to try. The experience takes place on a VR headset and lasts about 5
Demonstrator bio: Oliver Scott
Oliver Scott is founder/Artistic Director of Mercurial Dance and Charity Mercurial Arts. 2024 is our 21th anniversary! Constantly curious, versatile and equally confident creating in the studio as he is leading his business’, Oliver produces, directs, choreographs, educates, collaborates and advocates for dance. Creatively his focus is on creating XR immersive dance experiences. Oliver has leadership roles on the steering committee for the Dance Leaders Group and has recently founded a new
Picnic in the Spark
Picnic in the Spark is a FREE workshop led by local muralist, Emily Kaye Illustration, from the London School of Muralism. This hands-on, collaborative session invites attendees to contribute their personal stories, memories, and favourite items—be it a beloved meal, drink, or treasured object—through quick drawings or written notes on a post-it. These contributions will then be painted into a collective mural on a picnic-themed tabletop. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a unique public artwork, where your personal touch will help bring the mural to life. Don't miss the chance to engage with fellow participants, celebrate community, and bring an artwork to life.
Demonstrator Bio: Emily Pettitt
Emily is an illustrator and muralist based in Leamington. She loves creating playful images that celebrate people and place, you might have spotted her Leamington Map at the train station. Emily originally began a career in product design (where she drew more inhalers and hoovers than she cares to admit), but she left in search of a creative outlet and tunnelled into the world of illustration. When Emily found muralism, she realised she could take a lot of her previous skills into the practice of scaling artwork and she loves making her work into murals that brighten forgotten public spaces. Emily’s work explores identity and champions the imperfect through a mix of collage, texture, and wobbly lines. She is inspired by folk art, craft, and the untold stories behind everyday objects. When Emily is not illustrating, you’ll find her attempting to knit, painting signs, or hanging out with her Brummie cat, Linton.
Jewellery Bench
The Jewellery Bench will be bringing their workshop to Spark 2025, with a selection of tools and materials used when creating jewellery. Learn the fundamental skills of making ‘rings and things’ through demonstrations of saw-piercing, filing, soldering and stone setting.
RiVR: Church of Treasures AR Experience
ver the past eight years, RiVR has been at the forefront of creating virtual and augmented reality experiences across a diverse range of sectors. From groundbreaking training programmes for blue light services to immersive scenarios designed to support young people with special educational needs, RiVR has continually pushed the boundaries of innovation. In recent years, the team has expanded their expertise by establishing a dedicated division focused on historical interpretation. This has led to the development and installation of various immersive experiences in local museums and historic sites, bringing history to life in captivating new ways.
This year at Spark, RiVR will be showcasing the newly installed "Church of Treasures' AR experience which has been available at St Mary's Church in Warwick since summer 2024. In addition, guests can enjoy a 3D 180° behind-the-scenes VR video from Warwick Castle, currently being shown to visitors in the Great Hall of the castle.
Grow Radio
Throughout the day, GROW Radio will welcome people to their stand and Gary will be on-hand to answer your questions about podcasting plus offering interviews, which will be going out live on GROW Radio or recording them as part of a special podcast celebrating the day. We can't wait to hear your podcasting stories and ideas!
Demonstrator Bio: Gary Jones
Gary Jones has been a Podcast host since 2015 and has helped many businesses over the last 8 years to launch and grow their own podcasts. Gary runs GROW Radio which specialises in helping people to tell their story through podcasting and other online channels. Now he spend his time spreading the message that you don't need expensive equipment or an unlimited budget to start your own Podcast. Instead... you need to instead work on the idea first to make sure you are providing value to your audience.