Gallery promotes art education work

Have you ever wondered how Milton Keynes Gallery makes its contemporary art exhibitions accessible to people and makes art work for Milton Keynes?

On Wednesday, Ed Vaizey, Shadow Minister for the Arts heard for himself when he visited Milton Keynes Gallery and met its Director, Anthony Spira, together with David Hill, Chief Executive, Milton Keynes Council and Sally Abbott, Director Arts, Arts Council England South East.

Every year the Gallery's education team work with thousands of pupils in a range of imaginative, cross-curricular projects, inspired by the themes and content of its exhibitions, promoting peoples understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the work displayed.

This might be through guided school group visits to the gallery, offsite projects with commissioned artists, or public events such as artist talks, holiday workshops, its award-winning Family Day or free tours for visitors with access needs.

The public event called “Making Art Work for Milton Keynes” provided an overview of its award-winning education programme, to a broad range of teachers, educationalists, funders and project partners via a selection of short illustrated talks.

A host of speakers took part throughout the afternoon including Kevin McDonagh of MK Council’s Family Education Support Team, Julie Kemp, Art Co-Ordinator and pupils from Langlands Community School, with whom the Gallery has developed a long term relationship as well as Gill Perry from the Open University and Vivienne Reiss of Arts Council England South East.

The event which was supported by MK NEWS concluded with an hour of refreshments and networking, including a short performance by MK Academy students.

For more information about the gallery's education work and how you and your children can get involved visit www.mk-g.org

- MK Gallery is holding a host of events for children and families this half term break.



Young Filmmakers Club

8 - 12 year olds: Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 February, 10am - 3pm

13 - 16 year olds: Thursday 18 & Friday 19 February, 10am - 3pm

Film Screening: Friday 19 February, 4 - 6pm

An opportunity for young people to work with a professional artist to develop a short film documenting natural behaviour in a man-made environment, from story board to screen. Students can bring friends and family to the film screening on 19 February to view their work. £30 per child, book on 01908 676 900

Fun Activities for Little Ones



Parent and Toddler Activity Session: Wednesday 17 February, 10 - 11.30am

Get creative with your tot exploring fun ways of making art together.

£3.50 per child, book on 01908 676 900.

Drop-in Wednesday: Wednesday 17 February, 12noon - 3pm

Work with your children and a professional art educator to explore themes and ideas from the Marcus Coates exhibition. Stay for an hour or the whole afternoon. Suitable for children 4 -8 years. £3.50 per child, pay on arrival.

Saturday Art Trolley: Every Saturday 11am –1pm

Free drop-in art activity session suitable for ages 4–12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.