Creativity to Spark Change: Seven Creatives Collaborate Across Borders on New Art Piece 'Spark' - GOAL Global Skip to content

Creativity to Spark Change: Seven Creatives Collaborate Across Borders on New Art Piece ‘Spark’

 

November 15, 2023 • 3 min read

The GOAL NextGen X-Change project ‘Spark’ brings together new voices & fresh ideas for change and global solidarity from Ireland, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Colombia

Today sees the launch of a global creative collaboration from GOAL NextGen X-Change, a project designed to elevate and connect the voices of the next generation in a changing world.

The work has delivered an original song, titled ‘Spark’, written by Irish/Ivorian singer Celavidmai and Evan Flaherty & Darragh Purcell from Irish band Scoth. The song celebrates how a united global community can nurture hope and positivity amid an alarming mix of crises across the world. Collaborator Ethiopian saxophonist Gene Tesfa adds a touch of soul to the piece. The track is produced by DJ & producer Edna Martinez from Colombia.

In tandem with the launch of ‘Spark’ is a visual piece – a short behind-the-scenes documentary and music video created by THINKHOUSE. The video incorporates a striking visual piece from designer and illustrator Grace Enemaku, who drew on her Irish upbringing and Nigerian heritage to create a piece of art inspired by ‘Spark’ that shows how we are all connected to each other and the environment and, how ultimately, we need to work together for the common good.

These inspiring creatives from many cultures and countries came together to design this truly collaborative piece of art. This global collaboration is the very essence of GOAL NextGen X-Change, which supports cross-cultural collaborations to deepen our understanding of global social justice issues. ‘Spark’ urges the world to forget their differences and work together for the common good, uniting artists from around the world to create art that speaks to those who need to hear it.

Evan Purcell, co-writer and singer on the GOAL NextGen X-Change project, said: “When artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds unite to create something beautiful, like this song or a piece of art, they not only inspire the younger generation but also have the potential to impart valuable lessons to world leaders.”

Creative Grace Enemaku spoke about her work for GOAL NextGen X-Change: “It’s rare that you get the chance to create work that spans across creative disciplines and countries to collaborate with artists and musicians across the world. My piece ‘Hope Blooms‘ is inspired by their song. It illustrates that love and solidarity is the key to healing our world, our society and ourselves.”

Speaking about the entire project, Victoria Walsh, GOAL’s Global Citizenship Manager, said, “It’s been so exciting to see this project evolve and to witness the remarkable dedication that each artist, musician, and creator has poured into their work. At GOAL NextGen, we understand the unifying power that arts and culture have in creating global interconnection and transcending geographical borders. The aim of this project, the art piece, the song, is to inspire young people worldwide to engage with their communities and ignite positive change. In the midst of ever-divisive global crises and conflict, this project is a rallying cry for unity, creativity, and action, urging the world to come together for a common cause.”

‘Spark’, by Celaviedamai, Scoth, and Gene Tesfa, and produced by Edna Martinez, is available to listen to and download from today on Spotify, Apple Music, or anywhere you listen to music.

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To learn more about the X-Change campaign: www.goalglobal.org/xchange