June 8, 2018 (MINNEAPOLIS) Everyone is invited to come to the eighth annual Northern Spark and immerse themselves in the interactive public art installation “Carry-on Homes” created by the Creative City Challenge winners. The 2018 Creative City Challenge launches on The Commons 8:30-9 p.m. as part of the Northern Spark festival Friday, June 15. All are welcome to join the five artists of “Carry-on Homes,” Peng Wu, Shunjie Yong, Aki Shibata, Preston Drum and Zoe Cinel as they talk about their installation with Mayor Jacob Frey. “Carry-on Homes” will host performances on its stage throughout the two nights of Northern Spark.

Northern Spark is a free arts festival illuminating public spaces in the Twin Cities. This year’s Northern Spark will shift from its previous one-night dusk-to-dawn event to two nights of art and connection with community Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16, starting at dusk (9:02 p.m.) and ending at 2 a.m. Artists will explore the theme of commonality with projects located in three walkable and bikeable locations in downtown Minneapolis: The Commons, Minneapolis Central Library and Nicollet between Fourth and Eighth streets.

The “Carry-on Homes” installation hosts the stories of immigrants searching for a place to call home. The installation components include the Stage (Arrivals), the Reflecting Garden, and the Table and the Journey Wall (Departures). These components all explore the intersection of public and private spaces. Through juxtapositions of action and setting, the art strikes a conversation about what unites us through basic human needs of shelter, food, water and social interaction.
This year marks the sixth annual Creative City Challenge: a collaboration among the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program of the City of Minneapolis, The Commons, Northern Lights.mn and the Northern Spark festival.

Northern Spark

Northern Spark is a late night participatory arts festival taking place from 9:02 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16. During Northern Spark, tens of thousands of people gather to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces. Late into the night, the city surprises with friendly crowds, glowing groups of cyclists, unexpected paths through the urban landscape, and the magic of amazing art and experiences.

Northern Spark is produced by Northern Lights.mn, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to artists working innovatively in the public sphere, exploring expanded possibilities for civic engagement.

Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy

The City of Minneapolis Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program leverages the creative sector toward social and economic growth in Minneapolis; coordinates arts and creative economy activities; works with the Minneapolis Arts Commission; collaborates with City departments on eliminating racial disparities; and develops arts, culture and creative industry policies and programs for the City of Minneapolis.

The Commons

The Commons is a 4.2-acre public green space and an anchor in the Downtown East area’s transformation. Spanning two city blocks, the park is an active space for the public to relax and play. The Commons offers a robust lineup of free public programming including a weekly farmers market, music performances, film screenings, poetry readings, fitness classes and children’s activities.