🎇SPARK IN THE PARK

Home Ground has created a series of pop-up performances called Spark in the Park, to contribute some extra joy and connection to the Newtown Park Apartments community where we are based!

Funded through the Community Performing Arts Trust, we are excited to bring amazing artists into our community. These short and sweet performances take place in the courtyard, a shared green space that brings residents together. Each show is designed to be safe and inclusive for everyone. Whether you're down in the courtyard or watching from your window above, you’ll be able to enjoy the show.

True to its name, Spark in the Park is all about adding a little brightness to the day and making space for shared moments of surprise and delight.

Home Ground crew and tamariki joining in with Sacha Copland during her Spark in the Park participatory performance.

🗣️ Feedback from the audience

I heard it from up there - and it made me feel like dancing!

-Resident

Can we have it every week? It is like Concert radio

-Resident

I really enjoyed the violinist this morning. I thought it brought a different element to the community space and it’s such a good way to get everyone together. I saw today how it engaged the tenants and sparked conversation between tenants that might not usually connect. Thank you for bringing such creativity to Newtown Park Apartments!

-Tenancy Advisor

I gestured to the people who didn’t speak English, and their replies seemed all positive as well- smiles and nodding… not a single complaint though a few people were clearly more focused on the task at hand. When I asked participants about the music, they all replied with positive feedback, that they loved it, it was relaxing, and one person asked if you could do it every week :) What a beautiful thing to do, thanks so much! 

-Te Toi Mahana

Sacha Copland in the middle of our green space, guiding a participatory dance activation.

Sacha Copland from Java Dance Theatre brought the community to life with a vibrant participatory dance experiment. It was a joy to see the kids fully engaged - twirling ribbons, giggling, and racing around on their bikes! Parents lounged in the sunshine, chatting and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The whole scene buzzed with energy and connection.

For more about Java dance and their upcoming projects, check out their website! Java Dance Theatre | New Zealand

Ruby Solly playing cello for Spark in the Park

Ruby Solly blessed the courtyard with the powerful sounds of her cello. Playing a mix of familiar tunes and timeless classics, she created a vibe that drew people in, some even opened their windows to listen and join in from above. It was one of those moments that quietly brought everyone together.

If you want to see more of Ruby's mahi here are some links to check out

Ruby Solly - SOUNZ

Ruby Solly | Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao / International Institute of Modern Letters | Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Tristan Carter playing violin in the courtyard, with Rebecca McMillan taking photographs.

Tristan Carter was our first spark in the park guest performer back in October 2024. Tristan played the violin which rang loud and beautiful throughout the courtyard and was received well by tenants who were waiting in line for the Pūrerehua community food service.

Ella Williams, is a professional dancer, born of Canadian, Trinidadian and Pakeha NZ descent. currently working in Te Whanganui a Tara, Aotearoa. For her, dance is a form of connection with the community, a connection to the world through creating and performing as an act of liberation and a connection to ancestors and her history. Ella came and danced for us, moving through different dance styles and music genres.

She took us on a journey; it was a mesmerising performance.

Buy tickets to her upcoming show! GATES TO MEMORY - Kia Mau Festival

The next spark in the park will be held on Thursday the 22nd of May at the Newtown Park flats!! Come join us for some fun in the sun 🌞🌞🌞