Diversification of Work

Programmes for Stroke Affected

Art Therapy Programmes for Stroke Affected
In 2010 Spark Studio was contracted by the Stroke Foundation to pilot a major programme in art therapy for people who were stroke affected. This was very successful and a second programme was commissioned for the first half of 2011. The purpose of these programmes was to bring about renewed purpose and motivation in the lives of people who had suffered the traumatic impact of stroke. With the endorsement of the Stroke Foundation, Spark Centre secured funding from Auckland Community Group Assistance Fund to continue this ground breaking and significant work in a further art therapy programme in Term One, 2012.
Ongoing funding is sought to continue to develop this stream that offers huge potential and benefits for many people.

Art Therapy Programme for Partners & Support People of the Stroke Affected
The Stroke Foundation has commissioned a new programme titled In Support – this will be especially for partners / and support people. The aim of the programme is to have participants meet with other people dealing with the personal and wider impact of having a partner or family member with stroke affect – to share & learn from one another’s experience. This programme is scheduled to begin on May 16th.

Art Open Studio Sessions for Stroke Affected
Many of the people who participated in the pilot art therapy programme chose to continue with their art making by initially attending an in-depth art class, Reflections through Visual Arts (funded by Sky City). They then progressed into an Open Studio Session. Now artists from the other stroke programmes and wider studio sessions have joined this group where a sense of commonality, community and enjoyment in art making is present.

Programmes for Children with ASD
Creative Therapy for Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
In 2011, Abi Raymond, Spark Centre Creative Therapist & Health Care Worker, piloted a special programme for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), funded by Auckland Council Creative Communities. This work is presented in small groups or one to one consultations, and has been well received by parents seeking meaningful activities for their children. They learn and develop creative capabilities, and also learn crucial social skills, gaining integration by being part of an intimate and specialist environment. Abi is now joined by Arts Tutor Lea France in the development of further programmes for autistic children.

Spark Centre secured funding from Auckland Council Creative Communities for a further art therapy programme ‘Art on the Spectrum’ for Terms 1 & 2 of 2012, as well as funding from Albert-Eden Local Board of Auckland Council to fund an ‘Open Studio for Kids’ for Term 1 2012. We continue to seek further funding or sponsorship for the ongoing development and operation of these programmes.
Other Contexts of Application
After five years of successful and intensive, qualitative research, practical application and documentation of programmes and projects in visual arts and self development, the Spark Centre of Creative Development is in a position to adapt and apply their work into various, different contexts. Art processes offer a potent means by which people can reflect, explore and grow their sense of self and community; they are relevant and applicable within any personal, public or professional context.

The art therapy programmes are highly suitable to adapt into other areas such as palliative care, eating disorders, depression, the aged, etc.
Internship Placements
As part of our philosophy of the importance of applied practice and experiential learning, Spark Centre accepts applications for official internship placements from students attending learning institutions in such areas as arts therapy, social sciences, counselling services, and education. The placements provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn, grow and explore their emergent industries under formal supervision, and within a supportive team environment.
Over the past four years we have had students on placement from: Polytechnic University of Arts Therapy of Nürtingen, Germany; School of Visual Arts, New York: Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy; Boston University Auckland Internship Programme; and Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design: Arts Therapy Clinical programme.
For any inquiries or expressions of interest either for ‘Other Contexts of Application’ or Internship Placements please contact the Director of Spark Centre, Suzanne Vesty on suzanne@sparkcentre.org.nz