Established in 1974 by the Milton Keynes Corporation, for 50 years MKAC has provided opportunities for diverse communities to come together, to learn life-enhancing skills through working with professional artists and to feel part of a creative and inclusive community.

‍

In 2023-24, our services included 30 artist-led wellbeing sessions for adults and young people aged12 – 17 experiencing mental health challenges. We worked with 126 children under 5 and their families in encouraging both free and environmentally-friendly ways to play outdoors and to enjoy nature from an early age. 45 children helped us to research and develop teaching resources designed to increase understanding of South Asian heritage through art. We celebrated the culture of Afghanistan – and the importance of women to that culture - with an event that enabled 961 people from across Milton Keynes to enjoy traditional Afghan music and food, to take part in calligraphy, miniature painting and kite making workshops. We also worked with 872 school and college students over 28 artist-led workshops; we promoted ideas for a low-cost sustainable Christmas through exhibitions and workshops attended by 380 people; and we supported the professional development of 32 artists working in creative health.

‍

"I can honestly say at the beginning I had no idea I'd like it so much… It is a very cathartic practice. I am being made to slow down. Moving forward, creating is something I need to do every day.”(Participant on adult wellbeing programme)

‍

Our Offer

From April 2025, Milton Keynes Arts Centre’s programme goes on the road and we are inviting four parishes in Milton Keynes to host a series of three 90-minute artist-led creative activities (each a different discipline) for up to 20 people per session aged 16 or over, which are designed to:

‍

• Support skills development and life-long learning.

• Reduce stress, build self-confidence and improve mental health.

• Encourage people to come together for a fun and engaging activity in a safe and supportive environment.

‍

The Costs

For three distinct artist-led sessions, Milton Keynes Arts Centre will charge £500. This charge covers fees for two artists per session (planning and delivery), materials and equipment.

Please note, these sessions are not-for-profit. Milton Keynes Arts Centre’s staffing costs and overheads associating the sessions’ coordination and oversight are provided FREE. All expenditure will be used to benefit local residents and the Arts Centre can evidence expenditure as required.

The parish council / host venue may, at its own discretion, choose to charge for participation in the sessions; any charges made must not exceed the actual cost of the activity. If a parish council grant is required to cover costs, Milton Keynes Arts Centre will support any application as appropriate.

‍

For further information, please see 'Booking information' or contact Fiona Venables at fiona@miltonkeynesartscentre.org or

call 01908 608108.

‍

This project is supported by Garfield Weston Foundation.

‍

‍