More than 20 world-class artists, designers, musicians, filmmakers and media commentators will be in Hamilton next month to share their passion and talent as part of the 15th annual Spark International Festival of Media, Arts and Design.

This week-long event, starting 12 August, is organised by Wintec’s (Waikato Institute of Technology) School of Media Arts. It incorporates more than 35 presentations, exhibitions, panel discussions and associated events.

Now a major event on the national arts calendar, Spark is designed to engage and educate those with an interest in the creative industries and offer them the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

This year's guests are from Spain, New York, Australia and New Zealand. They include internationally renowned photographer, Cristina De Middel, New York fashion consultant, stylist and blogger, Zara Mirkin and award-winning documentary director and media personality, John Safran.

Safran’s event will be a live interview with TV3’s David Farrier. This will take place on Tuesday 13 August, 12:30pm in The Atrium at Wintec House in Hamilton’s CBD. This event is free and open to the public.

Spark Festival Director, Kat Cox says: “living in the Waikato you rarely get the chance to get up close with the superstars of the arts world, and having people like John Safran and Cristina De Middel here in our region is a rare opportunity. I hope people take advantage of this.

“All this year’s speakers represent those at the forefront of the arts domain. They’re imaginative, impressive and original, and we’re excited to host them.”

Spark runs from 12 – 16 August. It is free and open to the public. Events will be held at the Wintec city campus and supporting venues around Hamilton’s CBD.

The official Spark opening event will take place on Monday 12 August, 5pm-7pm at RAMP Gallery, Wintec city campus. It will feature an exhibition by Wellington artist, Sandy Gibbs.