This session will present the highlights from the fall 2025 and spring 2026 SPARKS (Short Presentations for the Kindred Spirit) sessions. Speakers from seven previous SPARKS session will show examples of their work and discuss the research behind their work. The “Entangled (Im)materialities” session moderated by Clea T. Waite and Bonnie Mitchell in Nov. explored artworks that challenged the structures of perception, knowledge, memory, and materiality. “Embodied Convergences: Humans, Machines, and Performance”, moderated by Mona Kasra in Dec. featured artists and researchers who are redefining the possibilities of human–machine collaboration through embodied, computational, and performative practices. “Beyond the Global North: Southeast Asia’s New Wave of Generative and Interactive Innovation” moderated by Patrick Hartono and Bin You in Jan. included artists who are shaping new trajectories for generative and interactive visual culture in the SE Asia. “Interabilities in 21st Century Arts & Technology”, moderated by James Hullick and Melentie Pandilovski in Feb. included neurodiverse artists who are reshaping contemporary society. “Alter Nature: Exploring Life through Computational Arts”, moderated by Zi-Wei Wu in Mar. included pioneers and young artists working with the concept of artificial life. “Confluence of Generative AI and the Art of Filmmaking”, moderated by Sal Ardongdé and Paul Trillo in Apr., explored how generative AI is transforming workflows and creative outcomes in the film industry. “Animism Revisited: Worlding with Digital and More-than-Human Minds”, moderated by Michael Just and Gustavo Alfonso Rincon in May, considered how creative practices are reopening and complicating animist ways of sensing, valuing, and coexisting.