A Vital Practice launches fundraising campaign

12 May 2009
Spark Studio, a creative space for adult artists with disabilities based in Auckland, has just released a publication documenting the vital role that art plays in the lives of its students.

It is also using the publication of A Vital Practice as an opportunity to raise much-needed funds.

Illustrating the role that Spark Studio and its art programmes play, artist John Puhara says: “My art is my life … No art – no life. All my study is here everyday. It’s a challenging thing – I’m ready for it. I like the opportunities I got. I like art so much – I want to keep going the rest of my bloody life. Amen.”

A Vital Practice documents the practice and philosophies that underpin Spark Studio’s projects and wider studio work, implemented through a series of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Commission. It also features many of the artworks created through the programmes, and artist statements recording each person’s experience.
 
Spark Studio Director Suzanne Vesty says the projects provide an innovative blend of visual arts learning and creative expression, integrating art-making methodologies with self-development processes centred on the artist.

“Spark Studio provides an essential service to the disabled community,”  Suzanne says. “However, we’re facing a financial crisis under the current economic climate and in light of the fact that the Tertiary Education Commission can no longer provide funding for our programmes.

“For us to keep providing opportunities to artists like John Puhara, we urgently need funds to sustain us through the next twelve months.”