Festival Overview

Northern Spark is a late-night art festival that lights up the Twin Cities.

In early June, tens of thousands of people gather throughout the city to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces. Late into the night the city surprises you: friendly crowds, glowing groups of cyclists, an unexpected path through the urban landscape, the magic of early morning after a night of amazing art and experiences. 

In light of COVID-19 and ongoing racist violence in our communities, the 2021 festival takes new forms. Northern Spark 2021 invites people to come together in safe, creative, unconventional ways, by engaging with artist projects online, through the mail, and at smaller in-person events in St. Paul. MN over a span of two weeks from June 12 – 27. 

Since 2011 we have collaborated with nearly 313 organizations and presented the work of over 2,154 artists to make Northern Spark happen.

Collaborators

Northern Spark is a collective effort. Northern Lights.mn would like to thank the following collaborators for their vision, enthusiasm and partnership. 

The 2021 Artist Council

Aki Shibata, Courtney Cochran, Hawona Sullivan Janzen, Heather C. Lou, May Lee-Yang, Mary Anne Quiroz, and Ricardo Beaird with Artist Council Manager Valerie Oliveiro. For more information, visit the Artist Council page on the Northern Lights.mn site.

Community Partners

Indigenous Roots, Indigenous International Youth Collective – Twin Cities, American Indian Family Center, Elder’s Lodge, Springboard for the Arts, Victoria Theater Arts Center, Rondo Community Library / St. Paul Public Libraries.