CREATIVE SPARK HISTORY (previous projects)

As an amateur artist it is a great joy to see people from different parts of the community working together.   Here are some of the more recent groups I have worked with, as with most things, the people are what inspire me the most. Please feel free to ask me about any of these initaitves. Rob Heighington – rob@creativespark.ca See also INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

	Settlement Services in the Bow Valley The Creative Spark Community Project brings people from different countries together. This simple Art Program gives them a break from stress while working with other newcommers in their community
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta – Award Participating on the Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health allowed the Creative Spark to share ideas with both peers and other project leaders. I am amazed to see what other community-based projects are doing to bring people together
	Canadian Mental Health Association In addition to connecting multicultural participants in a fun and engaging activity the Creative Spark Art Program links creative expression with mental health. Creative Spark was invited to participate with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peer to Peer conference
University of Alberta The Creative Spark received a significant grant from the University of Alberta for its contribution to their Healthy Schools Initiative. Creative Spark ‘Outcomes’ data tracking and evaluation protocols are in the top 5% of other community-based charity and NFP organizations (UofA)
	Bell Let’s Talk Grant – PSAs The Creative Spark is the recipient of two Bell Let’s Talk Grants. The Creative Spark PSA project produced six Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for the community. Students, teachers, community social workers and others worked together scripting, performing, filming and then editing the final PSAs
It Starts with You Working with CRPS, CCHS, and the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, Creative Spark produced an important community program called “It Starts with You“. Along with other Creative Spark Initiatives this resulted in multiple awards and grants
	Fred’s Story Fred is a 7 foot long, 40lb log that travels to most Creative Spark events.  We ask participants and volunteers alike to sign Fred.  He (Fred the log) has many signatures and comes with an interesting story of his birth in the boreal forest of the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Community of Exshaw Creative Spark was invited by the community of Exshaw to run multiple programs.  Exshaw is host to a diverse community of people, principally First Nations and European.  In addition to a grant from Lafarge Canada, in a special indigenous ceremony Rob Heighington was presented with a charcoal sketch of two ravens