MK Gallery’s IPA team are thrilled to be working with two incredible local organisations, MK Snap and The Pace Centre, to explore shared learning around inclusive creative practice and accessible exhibition tours.
IPA Partnerships
The Pace Centre
Based in Aylesbury, The Pace Centre provides education and therapy support for children aged 0-18 with a wide range of neurodisabilities, specialising in supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy and other similar sensory motor disorders.
MK Gallery have been working in partnership with Pace since Spring 2023, through a series of school and gallery based creative exchanges, with playful artist-led workshops and exploratory exhibition tours. Pace children have been wowed by the materials and new art experiences MK Gallery’s IPA artists have brought to their school, and many of the children have visited an art gallery for the very first time. The ongoing dialogue and learning taking place between the IPA team and the Pace teaching team, is facilitating greater confidence and skills for both.
“For us it’s seeing a difference in the children. J is not a child who particularly enjoys art. Watching him on the trip, it wasn’t the same child, and he’s now requested a messy day every half term! It’s been an amazing experience, the children are still talking about it!” Willow Class Conductor
MK SNAP
Milton Keynes based training provider MK SNAP, provide a leading programme of education, life skills, work preparation and opportunities for learning disabled adults aged 18+.
MK Gallery have been working in partnership with MK SNAP since Spring 2022, collaborating with IPA artist and sensory practitioner Julia Collar to co-design and deliver sensory based exhibition tours. For each of MK Gallery’s major exhibitions, MK SNAP learners are invited to explore artworks, identify their stories and sensory qualities, and plan an interactive tour experience for visitors. From a tiger who had lost their stripes in Beyond the Page, to a search for Mario’s gold coins in Wayfinder, and a visit to Jurassic Park in High Time, these tours bring unique perspectives, personal interpretations and huge amounts of fun to our galleries!
“MK Gallery has empowered our learners to have a voice in the community. The gallery has become an accessible, fun, and engaging space where individuals with learning disabilities are not only included but celebrated.” Steven Carruthers, Director of Learning and Equality
