Symposium

Symposium 2026

The Réseau SPARC Network Symposium is a biennial gathering that brings together SPARC members as well as other creators, presenters, producers, community animators and funders involved in the performing arts in rural and remote communities across Ontario and beyond.

The symposium provides an opportunity for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, networking, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

To date, SPARC has held five symposia:

  • 2014 Haliburton

  • 2016 Haliburton

  • 2018 Cobalt

  • 2022 Prince Edward County

  • 2024 Town of Minto

Scroll down for the latest news and announcements regarding planning for the 2026 Symposium!

Get the latest details on the Symposium 2026 program here.

Core Information



  • Réseau SPARC Network - 2026 Symposium

    SPARC is excited to announce our next biennial Symposium. Hosted in the city of Sudbury, the 2026 Symposium - Unearthing SPARACs of Creativity - will be full of industry led workshops, group sharing sessions and performances. Join us from Thursday May 21 to Sunday May 24 at this one-of-a-kind gathering of rural and remote artists, presenters, community animators and arts practitioners.

  • Registration is now open! Follow this Eventbrite link for tickets: https://SPARCSymposium2026.eventbrite.ca

  • A detailed schedule will be published soon, but for a general idea of timings please check our eventbrite page.

See you in Sudbury May 21-24, 2026!!

Together we can Unearth the SPARCs of Creativity in rural and remote performing arts!

Smiling symposium participant with a hand puppet

Playwriting Contest & Short Film Festival!!

The three winning plays from the second biennial SPARC Playwriting contest will be read on Saturday May 23 at 4pm at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. This event is open to registered attendees of Symposium 2026.

Selected films will be screened as part of the second biennial Short Film Festival - Redefining Rural & Remote - at the Sudbury Indie Cinema on Sunday May 24 starting at 10:30am. This event is open to the public - bring your friends and watch these amazing films!

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel.