Announcing SPARKBOOM arts catalyst

John Mitty Thursday, April 11, 2013

Huntington, NY April 11, 2013 - The Huntington Arts Council held a press conference to announce major funding for a new initiative involving arts and economic development on Long Island. The program is titled “SPARKBOOM” in reference to the creative process that generated the program, as well as the vision for arts as a catalyst for Long Island’s regional economic stability.

In August 2012, the Huntington Arts Council forged new ground by partnering with twelve local private, not-for-profit and municipal partners to discuss collective efforts to support emerging talent. The founding partners’ devotion to highlighting the Long Island region as both vibrant and sustainable has manifested itself in SPARKBOOM.

Diana Cherryholmes, Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council (fiscal agent for SPARKBOOM), announced that the New York State Council for the Arts, with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, has granted $80,000 in matching funds to implement SPARKBOOM immediately. Five Towns College under the direction of President Dr. Martin Cohen has joined the project as Lead Sponsor, enabling kickoff in time for Long Island’s summer season.

“We’re so pleased to know of the Governor’s support for the future of art on Long Island. We’re so grateful for the commitment of Five Towns College to celebrating the talents of Long Island’s own young people. We are proud to be Long Islanders,” said Jennifer Sappell, SPARKBOOM Coordinator.

The goal of SPARKBOOM is to foster the success of Long Island’s emerging creative talent by providing opportunities, programs and event experiences geared to GenY, 18-34 years of age. The creation of the joint partnership is groundbreaking and directly addresses the “brain drain” of Long Island’s young professionals. Ms. Sappell said, “We know that Long Island has much to offer. So many resources! Too often young people leave Long Island before learning to appreciate their roots. We’re doing our part to change that.”

A kick-off launch party featuring a live DJ set from Multiple Mono with artwork by Long Island natives Michelle Carollo and Richard Gardner was held at fotofoto gallery in Huntington on April 6, 2013 and was attended by over 300 people. Attendees remarked about “a Manhattan vibe” at the event, said Ms. Sappell, who called it “the highest compliment.”

SPARKBOOM will highlight the innovative artistic and cultural resources surrounding the Huntington hub during 2013. Additional funding will be sought to expand the program Island-wide within several years.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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