SPAR(K): Social Practice Artist Residency

Overview

SPAR(K) is Nova Arts’ Social Practice Artist Residency—an annual program that brings accomplished artists to Keene to collaborate with our community in the creation of participatory, place-based art.

Rather than focusing on finished works alone, SPAR(K) centers on process, connection, and shared experience. Each residency unfolds through conversation, collaboration, and creative exploration—shaped by the people, stories, and spaces of our region.

What Is Social Practice Art?

Social practice art is rooted in the idea that art happens between people.

Artists work directly with communities to create experiences that may take the form of performances, gatherings, conversations, installations, or unexpected interventions in everyday life.

At its core, this work asks:

  • How can art deepen connection?

  • What can we discover together?

  • What becomes possible when creativity is shared?

How SPAR(K) Works

Each year, Nova Arts invites a visiting artist to spend time in Keene—typically during the month of October.

During the residency, the artist:

  • Engages with local partners and community members

  • Develops ideas through dialogue and collaboration

  • Creates one or more public-facing experiences or events

Because social practice is process-driven, each residency is unique. We approach the work with openness and patience, allowing the project to evolve organically.

Community Partnerships

SPAR(K) is built through collaboration with organizations across Keene.

Recent partners have included:

  • The Colonial Theater

  • Monadnock Family Services

  • Covenant Living of Keene

These partnerships allow each residency to connect with different parts of the community—youth, elders, artists, audiences, and beyond.

Recent Residencies

2025: The Colonial Theater

Artist: Kye Grant Kauffman

The 2025 residency took place during a moment of renewed energy at The Colonial Theater. The culminating event, Club Alive!, brought together a wide range of local performers and community members in a vibrant, participatory performance.

The project reimagined The Showroom as a space of possibility—highlighting the power of community-driven art to activate and transform shared spaces.

2024: Covenant Living of Keene

Artist: Olivia DelGandio

This residency explored creativity, aging, and artistic identity in later life. Beginning with a core group of older artists, the work expanded into broader conversations and shared experiences across the Covenant Living community.

2023–24: Monadnock Family Services

Artist: Katie Bachler

Working alongside youth, staff, and community members, this residency focused on place, environment, and connection—centering on the waterways of Keene. The project unfolded through collaborative making, storytelling, and exploration.

2022: Pilot Residency

Artist: Roz Crews

The inaugural residency brought together community participants in a performance exploring emotional experience and human connection—establishing the foundation for SPAR(K)’s ongoing work.

Why It Matters

SPAR(K) creates space for:

  • Connection across generations and communities

  • Creative risk-taking and experimentation

  • New ways of seeing and engaging with our city

In a time when many experiences are increasingly isolated or transactional, SPAR(K) offers something different:
a chance to slow down, participate, and create meaning together.

Support SPAR(K)

SPAR(K) is made possible through the generosity of foundations, local businesses, and individual donors.

Your support helps us:

  • Bring visiting artists to Keene

  • Offer free and accessible community programming

  • Sustain a creative ecosystem rooted in collaboration

👉 [Donate / Get Involved]

Get Involved

We welcome community members, artists, and partners to participate in future residencies.

Whether you’re curious, or want to be part of something, get in touch.

👉 [Join our mailing list]
👉 [Contact us]