Spark brings programming back to the Circle in downtown Indianapolis

A new way to enjoy Monument Circle is activated.  The Spark program was first launched in 2015 as a way to bring art, activity, culture and connectivity to the Circle. The city of Indianapolis, Downtown Indy and arts group Big Car partnered to bring back the programming and reimagine the historic space.

Brightly colored chairs dot the monument and activity area that includes corn hole, mega Jenga and table to color or write a postcard. Big Car Executive Director Jim Walker said people can engage in a game of pick-up chess.

“In the world that we live in right now, how often do you just do something like that where you’re just two feet from a stranger, and these are very different people from different walks of life that just want to hang out and play chess,” Walker said.

The social program also includes historical experiences with actors portraying monument statues.

Big Car will hire an artist in residence to add to Spark.  Walker said creating arts and culture experiences adds vibrance to urban areas.

“It’s a two way street so we want to keep artists here so we have to support them but also the artists want to support their community,” he said.

Big Car will hire an artist in residence to add to Spark. 

Spark runs weekdays 11 a.m. to 2  p.m. with extended hours on Fridays.  Activities happen through October.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.