New Spark’d Studios location celebrated at Harrison Recreation Center
Posted on 9 February, 2023
Today the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) was joined by community partners, Mayor Jacob Frey, and students from nearby schools for a Grand Opening celebration and preview of a new Spark’d Studios location opening at Harrison Recreation Center on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023!
Spark’d Studios are new spaces in Minneapolis park buildings that help young people build creative skills and career readiness through free multimedia arts programs, access to technology, and mentorship from creative professionals. The first Spark’d Studios location opened at Powderhorn Recreation Center in 2021. The Harrison Spark’d Studio is the second of six planned locations.
Equipment
The Spark’d Studios space at Harrison Recreation Center features top-of-the-line multimedia equipment and creative professional staff and mentors to produce opportunities for youth and teens to explore their interests. All Spark’d Studios programs and equipment are free to use. Equipment includes:
- Mac desktops stations and MacBook laptops
- Professional sound recording booth and audio engineering station
- Keyboards, guitars, and a drum kit
- Photo/video cameras, lighting kits, backdrops, and tripods
- Gaming stations and Nintendo Switches
- Illustration tablet
- 3D printer and color printer and scanner
- Design and editing software
- Crafting materials and supplies
- Smart Board, mobile whiteboards and a library of technology, arts, and engineering books
Programs
To start, the Harrison Spark’d Studio will offer after-school Open Studio hours Monday-Friday beginning at 3 pm. Young people are invited to drop in and use the studio to explore creative projects, work on their portfolio, do homework or continue projects they began at school.
Weeknight programs range between 5-9 pm throughout February. Initial programs include Open Recording Studio, Digital Literacy, Full STEAM Ahead, and Nintendo Switch Game Night. Programs will be added and adjusted based on feedback from people using the space.
Summer hours will expand, with week-long camps in development. Future partnerships in the works with Harrison Education Center and other nearby schools.
Additional Spark’d Studios locations are scheduled to open at Whittier Recreation Center (spring 2023), Luxton Recreation Center (summer 2023), Phillips Community Center (late 2023), and Graco Park (2025). View the transformation of the Spark’d Studio space at Harrison here.
Connect
Go to minneapolisparks.org/sparkd for more information on Spark’d Studios and follow the “Browse and Register for Classes” button to view current programs offered.
Follow Spark’d Studios on Instagram @sparkdmpls for updates straight from the Studios.
Questions? Email sparkd@minneapolisparks.org.