We believe that creativity is for everyone and want to do all we can to extend that message to every corner of society. That’s why we’re so happy to work with MK Gallery.
Our UK HQ is in Milton Keynes. So we were looking for a local organisation where we could put something back into the community and support creativity.
MK Gallery does exactly that. It does amazing work for the local area and uses art and creativity as a real force for good. The gallery works beyond the ‘white cube’ exhibition space to bring creativity alive to the people of Milton Keynes through a range of really exciting projects that we’re delighted to support.
Milton Keynes Market Shutters
MK Gallery worked with the Resolve Collective (an interdisciplinary design collective using Architecture, Art and Technology to address social issues in the built environment) to revamp Milton Keynes market by commissioning artists to revamp the trader’s shutters. The artists collaborated with the traders to create beautiful shutter designs. The creations really celebrated the market’s businesses and made the market more colourful.
As POSCA pens work on so many surfaces and street art is part of its DNA, we were more than happy to donate some POSCA paint markers for the project. As you see they were great for adding outlines and details to the artists’ finished pieces. We’re so happy to be part of adding some creativity to the streets of Milton Keynes and to bringing some extra life and colour to the city.
You can see more about the Market Shutter project in this link here.
MK Gallery events
MK Gallery runs a number of events throughout the year. The events seek to engage the local community and make the gallery a community hub. Obviously we really wanted to get involved.
MK Gallery welcomes everyone. That really fits in with our ethos; whether you’re using our writing pens or creative markers we want to be completely inclusive. We want to play a positive part in peoples’ lives.
The gallery is particularly keen to help young people, vulnerable adults and families. It’s been noted that being creative helps build confidence and communication. So MK Gallery runs a number of creative workshops and activities to reach out to lots of members of these groups. We were really keen donate as many pens as we could to help with this important work.
Family fun days, Street Arts session and more
The space runs monthly family fun days where people can come along, get to know the gallery, enjoy some entertainment and try an art activity.
The space recently held a session where families could use POSCA to customise items and create their own yo-yo design.
The gallery also runs creative weekly after school workshops with MK Gallery’s Associate Artists exploring different art forms and media. Sessions provide new experiences for budding artist to enjoy independently, designed for their Key Stage and levels of ability with supervision provided by MK Gallery staff and volunteers.
The gallery’s Street Arts sessions are completely up our street. Street Arts session consist of a two-hour arts workshop with an MK Gallery Associate Artist and a two-hour parkour workshop with Ruel DaCosta from Paramount Parkour. They are for young people ages 11-15 years old and participants can take part in both workshops or just one. For older teenagers there is also a school holiday Art Riot for 14-18 year olds. This helps the attendees get creative and communicate their passions and beliefs in an expressive way.
The gallery has monthly Supported Studio workshops. These are designed to support 12-25 year olds with neuro-diversity or additional support needs. The sessions explore ways to express yourself creatively in a safe environment. Plus the gallery runs additional guided creative sessions for children with special educational needs, their parents and siblings.
There’s something for grown ups too. MK Lates allow MK residents to visit exhibitions after work and enjoy a drink and draw session.
We’re looking forward to doing more work with the gallery in future. So watch this space for updates and more information.
