CreativeCon

Students collaborate on a creative project using triangular structures in a classroom setting.
Students decorating cookies at a table. A quote about session quality is displayed below.
Students engaged in a creative activity; a quote about creativity is displayed at the bottom.
People playing with tabletop curling games on a white table.
Students in a classroom listen to a presentation, with a quote about creativity displayed on the screen.
Students sketching at desks with quote: "I learned I have much more creativity than I previously thought that I did.
2026 CreativeCon Flyer
2025 Impact Report
Register

Join us for an inspiring one-day field trip for students in grades 5-8 at the University of Minnesota’s Ted Mann Concert Hall. This event challenges your students’ creativity, strengthens their problem-solving skills, and ignites their imagination during three outstanding breakout sessions following a dynamic opening performance. Be a part of this exciting day that brings students together with STEM and arts professionals. Review the Minnesota Academic Standards alignment for CreativeCon.

Registration

Registration fees are based on BrightWorks membership status. To find out if your school/district is a member, please see the updated membership list.

Limited space is available. Please contact Betsy Narr to learn more.



2026 Opening Performance: Afrocontigbo

Afrocontigbo is a Minnesota-based West African dance company dedicated to preserving and sharing both traditional and contemporary African dance forms, particularly from the founder’s Igbo tribe of Nigeria. Their work blends movement, music, storytelling, and community engagement to uplift and celebrate African heritage within both diasporic and local communities.

They teach dance classes and perform throughout the Twin Cities. The music is invigorating, and the moves are joyful—get ready to join Afrocontigbo on the dance floor!

Silhouette of a woman with "Afrocontigbo Dance Therapy" written in her hair and shoulder outline.
A group of dancers in colorful outfits perform on stage with arms raised.

2026 Sessions Include:

Crop Art
Opera
Bengala Mud Dyeing
Dance Theater
Wet Weather Bridge Design

Painting Mathematics
Advertising
Board Game Design
Entomology
Architecture! Design, Build, and More.

Supporters

SparkPath would like to thank the following organizations whose support helped make the 2025 CreativeCon a fantastic day of learning for Twin Cities students:

AIA Minnesota logo with "AIA" in white on a red circle and "Minnesota" in black text.
Blick Art Materials logo with bold black lettering on a white background.
BrightWorks logo featuring a gear icon and the text "BrightWorks, A Minnesota Service Cooperative" in blue and gray.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) – MN

Black and white musical score with various notes and symbols on a staff.
Logo with "Department of Transportation" text and stylized "M" in blue and green.
Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence logo with a white star design on blue.
Round logo featuring crossed tools with "Tool Library" and "Minnesota" text. Established 2015.
A cup with planets inside, red dice, and text that reads "STUDIO BIG.

At CreativeCon, students learn…

Creativity is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened.

Creativity is necessary for higher education and all careers.

Creativity is an essential part of problem solving.

Questions?

For more information on how your students can participate or if you are interested in presenting, contact Katie Wenzel at 612-638-1554.

White text including an "S" and "P" intertwined and an upright pointing arrow to the left

© 2025 SparkPath, Inc.


SparkPath@brightworksmn.org
612-638-1500
2 Pine Tree Drive, Suite 101
Arden Hills, MN 55112
EIN: 41-1948020

SparkPath is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that presents its programs in collaboration with BrightWorks, a Minnesota Service Cooperative. BrightWorks member districts/schools save 30-50% on SparkPath registration fees. For more information, visit www.brightworksmn.org.

white text "brightworks"