What is Spark?

Through Spark, one performance per season will be presented by the Spark Coordinator (the mentee) under the guidance of the Arts Council’s Performing Arts Coordinator (the mentor). Any community or Arts Council member under 29 is eligible as a Spark Coordinator.

This demographic is very diverse; they may be a high school student looking to build their skills and experience, or a working professional who wants to pursue a passion for the arts through volunteering.

OSAC recognizes that for organizations that have operated a certain way for a very long time, such a change may be daunting for various reasons, not the least of which is financial. Through the Spark Bursary, OSAC will relieve some of the risk that the Arts Councils may face for trying something new.
Councils may receive 50% of the artist fee to a max of $1000 for the Spark Performance.  Note if there are more applicants than available funds the grant bursary will be pro-rated for all members.

Involving youth through Spark is more than mentorship - it’s a long-term investment in your community’s artistic future. Spark brings fresh energy, new perspectives, and local leadership development to your Arts Council. By supporting youth in presenter roles, councils foster succession planning and build stronger ties to schools, families, and peer networks. Spark participants often become future volunteers, organizers, and advocates for the arts - creating sustainability and momentum for your programming.