Between 2021 and 2025 we are proud to have been both shortlisted and winners of the Fantastic for Families and Family Learning Awards!
Different strands of the IPA programme have been recognised for their innovative and inclusive approaches to learning and community engagement. Find out more and read our Case Studies below.
Art and Us, 2025
Family Learning Innovation Award (Shortlisted)
Led by the National Centre for Family Learning, this award recognises innovative approaches to family learning, which address issues and challenges, solve problems, or create opportunities for family learning. You can find out more about the award here and read our Art and Us case study here.
Art Together, 2024
Family Learning Innovation Award (Shortlisted)
Again, shortlisted in the Innovation category, judges from Campaign for Learning and CACHE Alumni noted the “wonderful creative approach” of Art Together that brought real inclusivity for all and deserved to be “shared across the sector”. Read our Art Together case study here.
Sensory Tours, 2022
Best Family Arts Activity (Winners)
Our Sensory Exhibition Tour programme was designed in response to families with children with support needs needing more accessible exhibition content and bespoke engagement opportunities. Toddle, SEND and bespoke one-to-one tours are available during every MK Gallery exhibition, with parent/carer and sibling involvement strongly embedded to create magical, full family experiences. Tours are led by Associate Artist Julia Collar, who also won independently at the 2022 awards for work in her local community,
Click here to explore our profile on the Fantastic for Families website.
Sensory Boxes, 2021
Best Family Arts Activity Award (Winners)
During the COVID-19 pandemic and unfortunate closure of in-person sessions at MK Gallery, the IPA team designed a programme of ‘Sensory Boxes’ to be sent to family homes. Boxes were carefully crafted by artists, with bespoke materials and activities to suit a family’s creative interests and access requirements. The boxes aimed to ignite play and interaction, allowing us to continue creatively supporting family’s while our doors were closed.
Sensory Boxes have continued beyond the pandemic to be a core outreach offer within the IPA programme and enable the IPA team to facilitate connections with greater numbers of families across Milton Keynes.
You can learn more about the award and read our case study here.
