MK Gallery has received a Large Strategic Grant from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation, to support with the development of the ‘Our Studio’ programme!
Our Studio offers a creative, social and supportive space for young people aged 14-25yrs, who identify as neurodivergent or as having additional support needs.
Thanks to the £108,000 grant from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, we can run new, twice weekly, sessions from MK Gallery’s Project Space, which has been transformed into a dedicated studio space for the programme. With guidance from lead artist facilitators Sarah Hunt and Emily Stapleton-Jefferis, participants will explore, experiment, and develop their own unique artistic practices.
This funding will also support the continuation of the Our Studio regular sessions on the third Saturday of the month, as well as enrichment opportunities including guest artist workshops and offsite trips.
Jake Geelan, Philanthropy Director at MK Community Foundation stated:
Lead artist facilitator, Sarah Hunt, commented:
“This grant from Milton Keynes Community Foundation is an exciting development for Our Studio. The young people are delighted to finally have a permanent studio space to make their own and to be able to meet more regularly. It is an incredible opportunity for them to explore their creative ambitions and build new friendships.”
Producer of Inclusion at MK Gallery, Rosie May, noted:
“Having a dedicated studio space at MK Gallery hugely raises the visibility of the Our Studio programme, and the creativity of the young people attending sessions. We’re excited to see the impact of more frequent encounters for our participants, and for all of the learning which will take place over the coming two years.”
Established in 2022, Our Studio is part of MK Gallery’s wider Inclusive Practice in the Arts (IPA) programme, which is committed to providing opportunities for children, young people and adults with additional and complex support needs.
The IPA programme is generously supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation Milton Keynes Community Foundation, Art Fund, and ARTIST ROOMS.
To find out more, please see here: Inclusive Practice in the Arts – MK Gallery
