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Calling all budding sculptors!

Trickster Figures: Sculpture and the Body is an exciting and inspiring collection of modern British sculpture that we hope will inspire young local artists. Young Sculptor is an opportunity for all young people living or studying in Milton Keynes to develop their sculpting skills, take part in an exhibition this June in, and have their work judged by a panel of curators and artists. Submissions are welcomed from children and young people aged 4-19 (SEND up to 25 years old).

Learn more

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Inclusive Practice in the Arts wins national award

The Inclusive Practice in the Arts (IPA) team at MK Gallery is delighted to be awarded the Fantastic for Families 2021-2022 award – for the second year running.  Last year the team won the award for Best Family Arts Activity for its Sensory Boxes programme, which was developed in response to lockdowns as a remote creative offer for families. This year it won the award in the same category for its Toddle and Child Sensory Tour programme.  The Sensory Tours are designed for both toddlers, and children with additional and complex support needs, who may otherwise have difficulty accessing the content of the exhibitions. During the tours, children and families go on a journey through the exhibition spaces and are transported to another world through storytelling, music, curious object handling, intriguing smells and costume. The galleries are transformed into animated spaces, and artworks are explored and activated in a playful language that is accessible to all.    Running throughout the year, the Tours have bespoke content designed in response to the Gallery’s changing exhibitions programme. They are designed and led by Associate Artist Julia Collar (of Collar and Cuffs), who, independently, won the award for Audience Impact and Innovation for her Toddington Village Sensory trails. Sophie Bennett, Producer, Public Programmes (Inclusion) MK Gallery, said: ‘We are thrilled to receive national recognition for our Inclusive Practice in the Arts programme once again. Sensory Tours offer families a unique experience - they break down barriers by inviting people into spaces that they may not ordinarily feel are for them. ‘Our Sensory Tours would not be possible without Julia Collar, and we are so proud that she won independently in her category as well. Special thanks also goes to our Learning Scouts, Sarah Hunt and Constance McCaffrey, who support families throughout the tours and enhance their experiences.  ‘Recently we’ve been able to extend our tour programme to working with national charity VICTA, who support children who are blind or partially sighted, which has been particularly special.’  If you’ve not experienced a Sensory Tour with your children, then make sure you book onto our upcoming tours on Saturday 26 November for our current exhibition, Larry Achiampong: Wayfinder. Our Toddle Tour starts at 10.30am and our Child tour (SEND) starts at 11.30am.  Now in its ninth year, the Fantastic for Families Awards is an annual programme open to UK based cultural organisations or cultural activity organisers, providing creative opportunities, activities, or initiatives for families, young mothers, isolated elders, and those struggling with mental health conditions, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalised.   Anna Dever, Head of Family Arts Campaign said: 'The Fantastic for Families Awards are a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and innovation of the arts sector and the amazing work delivered for families during the past year. The organisations and artists nominated, and all those who applied, are wonderful examples of how creative and cultural engagement can bring joy and opportunities to families across the UK.’ The awards ceremony took place online on the 16 November 2022.  

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An Interview with Larry Achiampong

We sat down with Larry Achiampong ahead of his solo show at MK Gallery to discuss his background, work, and what the future holds. Could you introduce yourself, and the exhibition? My name is Larry Achiampong. I'm an artist, and I work across a range of media which includes film, sculpture, sound, performance... I'm referred to as a multi-disciplinary artist, which really means that I get bored doing the same thing, so I try to challenge myself a lot. At the heart of my practise is an interest in conversations that surround identity and relationships with the digital age. It involves approaches to time travel, the archive, and what that means on a personal level. The show that we have here is titled Wayfinder; it's a touring show, which will be moving across sites. It's opening here at MK Gallery soon, and previously it was showing at Turner Contemporary, and it will finally show at BALTIC in Gateshead next year. Why do you think the exhibition is a good match for Milton Keynes? It's a good fit for a place like Milton Keynes in terms of its diversity of people within the area, and people from non-European backgrounds especially. That's not to say that people from European backgrounds can't take interest within the work, I think there's an aspect of locality in various kind of levels or strata that I think people will be able to connect with. But really, at the heart of this show is a conversation about journeys; journeys in the sense of what migration means on a personal level, but also on a social, and in certain cases, a political level. Some of your works were created a few years ago – do you think they will still hold social relevance in the future? I would hope that the works that I've made a couple of years ago, and some more years prior to the show, will have a certain relevance. More and more within my practises I make works where I'm very much thinking about legacy; I'm very much thinking about what time might mean to the words that are being expressed figuratively or literally. So I do think about how the work might be taken in. I don't have control over that, and that's not something I would want to have control over. But what I do have control over is imagining that the work will still exist. If we take my film works for example, I've shot them all in 4K spec. I've done that on purpose because I want them to exist in cinemas. As far as I'm aware, the standard for showcasing cinematic work is not likely to change. I can see the work existing 40, 50, 60 years down the line. Not only that, but I do feel that the conversations and subject matter at the heart of these works will be important to topics that continue to marinade into the future. Do you believe that the mediums you use are the best ways to portray your messages and feelings? For me, the mediums I use are the best ways that I've been able to approach or converse some of the messages I've put into the work. It's the reason why I work across different forms; because as much as I feel the power of video or film, a physical object, for example my chalkboard series [Detention, 2016- Present], could also convey additional ideas in a different way. No medium, for me, is a ruler over the other. They all have their place, and my place as a practitioner is making the decision of what best fits the approach to output, where physicality is concerned. Is there any advice you would give to young artists who would like to get their work out there? Thinking back to my own perspective when I was younger, I was using social media in the earlier days, with the likes of Myspace. But now it's all about Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, that kind of thing. I think social media is a great way to be able to simply get the message out there, in terms of the work, but also to connect with other people. It's a good space, but it's not the only space. It's an effective one, but it's not the only one. It's certainly important in being able to connect with people who may be thousands of miles away. From my own background, I never had disposable income, nor do I have the kind of money now to travel from one place to the other across the planet, unless I'm being paid to do it. I think it's important to remember that there's only so much that you can achieve on your own. It's important to find bridges to connect with other practitioners. You may not agree on everything, and to be honest, that could be good thing, because everyone might bringing something different to the table. That's actually something to celebrate, as long as nobody's being hurt. So that aspect of collaboration is important, even if you're an artist who loves to be in a room on your own. There's only so far you can get on your own, but at the same time you have to find your way of doing things. Just because people like doing crits doesn't mean you have to. You might want to listen to music or talk about memories. You can do that as well. Don't let anyone tell you that there is a right or wrong way to do things. I think that some of the greatest ideas, and some of the people who I think are the most important practitioners in their field, have done things their way. Again, as long as you're not hurting anyone, do things your way. If it doesn't exist, you build it. Larry Achiampong: Wayfinder is open at MK Gallery from Sat 15 October 2022 – Sun 15 January 2023. Click here to learn more.

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Out now: What’s On Winter 2022

When visiting MK Gallery, pick up one of our Winter What’s On guides, featuring information on exhibitions, cinema, live music, performances, and family activities for October, November, December and January. Download a digital version here.

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Inclusive Practice in the Arts at MK Gallery receives national recognition

The Inclusive Practice in the Arts (IPA) team at MK Gallery is delighted to be shortlisted for a Fantastic for Families 2021-2022 award, for the second year running.

Last year the team won the award for Best Family Arts Activity for its Sensory Boxes programme, which was developed in response to lockdowns as a remote creative offer for families. This year it has been shortlisted in the same category for its Toddle and Child Sensory Tour programme.

The Sensory Tours are designed for very young children, and those with additional and complex support needs, who may otherwise have difficulty accessing the content of the exhibitions. For the Tours the exhibitions are brought to life through music, story-telling, curious object handling, intriguing smells and fancy dress. The galleries are transformed into playful spaces for the children to enjoy.

Running throughout the year, the Tours have bespoke content designed in response to the Gallery’s changing exhibitions programme. They are designed and led by Associate Artist Julia Collar (of Collar and Cuffs), who has been nominated independently in the awards for her Toddington Village Sensory trails, in the category of Audience Impact and Innovation. 

Sophie Bennett, Producer, Public Programmes (Inclusion) MK Gallery, said: ‘It’s great to be shortlisted for a different area of the programme, showing the diverse reach and creative output of IPA.

‘Special thanks go to our brilliant Learning Scouts, Sarah Hunt and Constance McCaffrey, who support families throughout the tours and enhance their experiences.

‘Our next Sensory Tours are taking place as part of our Family Fun Day on Saturday 29 October 2022, and we’ll be taking inspiration from our new exhibition Larry Achiampong: Wayfinder.’

The awards ceremony will take place online on the 16 November 2022. 

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Announcing Trickster Figures: Sculpture and the Body

We are pleased to announce our first major exhibition of 2023, Trickster Figures: Sculpture and the Body, curated by Jes Fernie. Trickster Figures presents the next chapter in the story of British sculpture, bringing together a selection of work by eleven contemporary artists. The exhibition explores the body’s newly configured relation to the world which involves increasingly fluid movement between binary systems, technology, human forms, animals, identities, and the environment. “There is a leakage, a seepage in these works. Many of them allude to bodies or systems that relate to bodies. Jealous bodies, broken bodies, fossilised bodies, vulnerable, contaminated bodies. There is also love, tenderness, glamour, and compulsion.” Jes Fernie Featuring: Saelia Aparicio, Alice Channer, Jesse Darling, Nicolas Deshayes, Kira Freije, Siobhán Hapaska, Nnena Kalu, Joe Namy, Harold Offeh, Ro Robertson and Vanessa da Silva Learn more about the exhibition and book your tickets here.

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Portholes – Please touch.

MK Gallery invites multidisciplinary artist Francesca Cant to design its Summer Commission 2022.  As part of her artistic practice, Cant explores the possibilities and limitations of play. This aspect is realised in her latest work for MK Gallery, Portholes. The participatory sculpture encourages play and social interaction, inviting audiences to arrange, stack and compose the elements of the sculpture to create new patterns and structures.  Roisin Callaghan, Producer, Public Programmes (Community & Partners) at MK Gallery said:   ‘We are excited to introduce Portholes, to visitors. The sculpture is available now to interact and play with on Margaret Powell Square, outside the main entrance to the Gallery. It will be interesting to see how the elements are re-imagined into new forms by visitors.’  Cant explained: ‘I’m interested in the notion of play and how this exercise gets disregarded as people's lives get busier. Play is extremely important for both adults and children alike, so I really hope people can come and enjoy the sculpture, interact with it and make something exciting from it. The possibilities are endless.  My work promotes curiosity and encourages audiences to become more aware of their surroundings and the people they share the space with. I enjoy the simple geometry of modernist structures and the visual connections it has to childhood building blocks; by rejecting the ornate and decorative it allows me more creative freedom to design imagined cityscapes and the architecture that may be housed there.’  Portholes is available throughout the summer months, during the Gallery’s regular opening hours.

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Open call to gamers

Are you a gamer? MK Gallery needs your help and is putting out an open call for specific games and consoles to feature in its next exhibition Larry Achiampong: Wayfinder.  While loans to art galleries are usually considered to be paintings or sculptures MK Gallery is seeking loans of a different kind: Ultra Street Fighter II; Mario Kart; Splatoon... and not only the games but consoles too: Nintendo Switch and more.  These ‘works of art’ will feature in Gaming Events which form part of Achiampong’s first solo exhibition where we invite visitors to play, relax and enjoy the games that continue to inspire the artist.   Video games are integral to Larry’s work, as he proudly asserted: ‘I’m a gamer, it’s the language I speak with! I love playing with environments where anything feels possible. I didn’t have the privilege of visiting art galleries when I was younger, but I saw art through a different portal: the Sega MegaDrive and Super Nintendo.’   For those gamers who can loan a game or console to be part of the events, MK Gallery invites them to drop off their hardware and fill in a loan form so they can be returned. Those who wish to donate a game or console can book a free season ticket to the exhibition.   The open call ends on Friday 16 September 2022. Gamers can contact Alice Riddy ariddy@mkgallery.org with any queries.   The Gallery already has a great selection of games which will be available to play across spaces in the building and at gaming events. However, the exhibition co-ordinators are keen to receive these multiplayer games:  

• Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
• Mario Kart (any)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge 

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MK Young Photographer winners announced

Thank you to all the inspiring young photographers who entered this year's competition, and congratulations to Pippa, aged 6, for claiming the top prize. A special thanks to Fionnuala Boyd, Les Evans and Willie Robb for having the tough task of judging all of the amazing entries. The MK Young Photographer exhibition is open at MK Gallery's Project Space until 31 August. 2022. You can vote for your favourite photograph here.

Winners, Commendations and Special Mentions

• Alana, aged 4
• Amelie, aged 4
• Zayn, aged 4
• Arthur, aged 5
• Tadhg, aged 5
• Ollie, aged 5
• Alice, aged 6
• JJ, aged 6
• Pippa, aged 6 (age group winner and overall winner)

• Arya and Georgia, aged 7
• Ava, aged 7 (age group winner)
• Aidan, aged 7
• Betsy, aged 7
• Evander, aged 7
• Grace, aged 7
• Krishna, aged 7
• Marshall, aged 7
• Caden, aged 8
• Summer aged, 8
• Bella, aged 8
• Tiago, aged 8
• Mohit, aged 10

• Sophie, aged 11
• Alex, aged 12
• Anya, aged 12
• Charlie, aged 12
• Dhillan, aged 12
• Eva B, aged 13
• Crystal-Rose, aged 13 (age group winner)
• Sumaya, aged 13
• Chloe, aged 14
• Eva, aged 14
• Emily, aged 14
• Ella, aged 14

• James, aged 15
• Jessica, aged 15
• Charlie, aged 17
• Chole, aged 19
• Martha, aged 18 (age group winner)
• Zoe, aged 18
• Max, aged 19
• Sasha, aged 19

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Eat the Feast

Through the mediums of performance, video and photography, collaboration and conversation, Harold Offeh is an artist who develops work that responds to places, situations and histories. Often the artist inhabits or embodies these histories, using humour to confront the viewer with alternative, forgotten or censored narratives. In February 2022, Harold Offeh invited local people to be his tour guides of Milton Keynes. He was interested in what an encounter between a curious visitor – unfamiliar with a place and its history – and the people embedded in that place, would lead to. In April, Offeh returned to Milton Keynes. This time, the artist worked with the same groups to create a collective map of Milton Keynes formed from individually-made tablecloths, candles and plates – all sculpted or decorated to reflect the stories, places and histories that had been revealed to him. On Thursday 7 July 2022, the individual components of this map and their respective makers come together at MK Gallery for one night only. A selection of dishes chosen by groups involved in the map’s making will be presented on the map as well as recipes collected from people living across Milton Keynes, which connect them to a memory, a time or a place of personal significance. Commissioned by Milton Keynes Arts Centre. Book here.

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MK Gallery partner with Milk & Beans

We are delighted to announce a new partnership between MK Gallery and Milk & Beans Coffee Roasters. Milk & Beans is Milton Keynes’ first speciality coffee roaster, and the aim of the business is to show people that coffee can taste different depending on where it’s from and how it has been grown and processed. The coffee MK Gallery is selling is from Mió, a family run farm in Brazil, who export, import, store and sell their own coffee. They guarantee 100% traceability for all of their crops, which is rare in the industry. The notes of this coffee are chocolate and tangerine. Milk & Beans is now being served and sold in the MK Gallery café - be sure to pop by and try it out!

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MK Gallery goes Dada for a day

To mark the 102nd anniversary of the 1st Dada International Exhibition in Berlin, 31 d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent artists will stage Dada inspired interventions in 30 museums and galleries across Britain and Northern Ireland on the same day on 2 July 2022. MK Gallery is delighted to be one of the locations for this exciting event, with a performance lecture, FED UP, by artist Caroline Cardus in the Gallery’s Sky Room. The event with the title We Are Invisible We Are Visible (WAIWAV) is presented by DASH, the disabled-led visual arts organisation, and was awarded the 2021 Ampersand Prize. Mike Layward, DASH’s Artistic Director said: ‘To be awarded the Ampersand award for this surreal intervention will not only have a massive impact on Disability arts but will show that the visual arts institutions are now open and willing to change. DASH has a long history of producing provocative interventions that continue the legacy of Dada, Absurdism and Surrealism into the 21st century.’  The museums and galleries taking part include: Arnolfini, Baltic, Centre for Contemporary Art Derry, Firstsite, Focal Point Gallery, Golden Thread Gallery, Grizedale Arts,  Glynn Vivian Art Gallery,  Harris Museum and Art Gallery, HOME, The Hepworth Wakefield, Ikon, John Hansard Gallery, Leeds Art Gallery, Liverpool Biennial, Manchester Art Gallery, MIMA, MK Gallery, Modern Art Oxford, Newlyn Art Gallery, Nottingham Contemporary, The Pier Arts Centre, Site Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, Tate Modern, Tate St Ives, Towner Eastbourne, Turner Contemporary and VOID.  

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