City to become a canvas of colour and light for SPARK Ipswich 2025
20 June 2025
SPARK Ipswich returns for its fifth year from 11 to 20 July, with an immersive arts and culture program set to transform the city into a canvas of colour and light.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding announced the program of more than 50 events across 10 days of arts, culture, music and family fun.
“From large-scale light installations and cutting-edge art projections to lively street parties and music festivals, SPARK Ipswich offers something for everyone,” Mayor Harding said.
“This year’s diverse program spotlights the best local talent in music, visual arts, performance and more while also opening doors to world class artists whose work inspires and elevates the creative spirit of the city.
“SPARK Ipswich is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of everything that makes our city great: our people, our culture and our unstoppable artistic spirit.
“More than 45,000 people attended SPARK Ipswich events in 2024 and we are hoping to surpass that number this year.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said that this edition of SPARK Ipswich is extra special as it will also include a celebration of 50 years of the Ipswich Civic Centre.
“The Ipswich Civic Centre is a place that has hosted generations of performances, events and memories, and the city will pay tribute to its rich history and ongoing contribution to the arts during SPARK Ipswich this year,” Cr Augustine said.
“To celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re inviting the whole community to be part of a special community production, Hipswich, showcasing the talents of local artists and performers.
“We’re also throwing a Carpark Party with six action-packed nights of live music and performance as a part of the Ipswich Civic Centre’s 50th anniversary celebrations.”
Emerging Ipswich artist Kiana Good was commissioned to create the SPARK Ipswich branding artwork, and said it has been special to celebrate Ipswich through art and share her work with a festival audience.
“It’s so exciting to be the SPARK Branding Artist for 2025 – this is my first opportunity to put my art out there, and seeing people engage with it and hearing feedback from new voices has been amazing,” Ms Good said.
Ms Good has drawn on her background in architectural studies and her appreciation for Ipswich’s historic buildings to tell a story of connection and place, using a mandala form to symbolise community.
“My goal is to spark curiosity and reflect the unique architectural elements of Ipswich – I invite viewers to take a closer look and discover all nine architectural elements hidden within the piece,” Ms Good said.
The full program and ticketing information are available at SparkIpswich.com.au
SPARK Ipswich 2025 program highlights
deLIGHT
deLIGHT transforms Nicholas Street into a vibrant canvas of art and light, featuring nightly showcases by different artists with stunning projections brought to life by animator James Muller.
HEXADECA
HEXADECA, by Pulsing Heart, is an architecturally designed, interactive music making playground where people of all ages and abilities can create soundscapes together by sitting, spinning and playing.
The Bubble CanteenThe Bubble Canteen is a magical light and sound installation producing 20,000 bubbles per minute, from delicate bubbles to giant orbs, enchanting audiences of all ages.
World of Music Ipswich – WOMIIpswich’s signature world music event returns to Springfield with a vibrant lineup of music, workshops, food, and crafts from around the globe.
Little Day OutFor the littlest festivalgoers with a sustainability focus – think live music, ‘dirt girl’s Garden Party’, creative workshops, roving performers and delicious bites from local food trucks.
Carpark PartyIpswich Civic Centre's carpark will be transformed for six action-packed nights of entertainment to celebrate 50 years of Ipswich Civic Centre.
SPARK Ipswich is delivered by Ipswich Festivals with the support of the following partners:
Verso Projects, Orion Springfield Central, Queensland Government, Nine News, River 94.9, scenestr, Radio 4EB, akg Ray White, Urban Utilities, Little Locals, ACS Group, Quest Springfield Central, Arts Connect, Arttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies, Banshees Bar and Artspace, Booval Fair, Creative Hearts Co, Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich Libraries, Ipswich Waste Services, Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, Stony Creek Brewing, St Paul’s Anglican Church and Yamanto Central.