Arts Workshop Trust promotes 30,000 learning experiences each year through its programme of arts activities, events and education, writes Marie Kirbyshaw.
We have developed as a result of the artists, users and partners we work with and aim to grow and respond to the ever-changing needs of artists and learners.
We have three fully-equipped workshops across Milton Keynes, as well as 20 artists studios, a sculpture garden and parkland grounds. We provide up to 15 different artist-led workshops each week to adult learners in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire. These include daytime, evening and weekend activities in purpose-specific workshops. We provide silver-smithing, ceramics, woodcrafts, glass, painting and drawing, textiles, mosaic and life drawing. In addition, we deliver a diverse programme of education, exhibitions, projects, residencies and workshops over 50 weeks of the year.
We are always looking for new ways to promote the positive role of artists and celebrate the creative process rather than the end product. This year, paper kiln maker Sebastian Blackie and a metal artist aim to melt various metals in hand-made kilns as part of their residency. The molten metal will be released into trenches cut into the ground, quenched by water and hoisted in the air as a sculpture. A series of education workshops for colleges, INSET training for teachers, masterclasses and practical workshops will be included. Over 500 people involved in the project will learn about design, science, construction, traditional crafts and innovation through these stimulating activities.
There is a common commitment by arts organisations in Milton Keynes to generate new audiences through inclusive projects and activities, and where possible, our projects are free and we subsidise workshops to promote inclusion for all members of the community. We complement and support the more traditional learning opportunities for adults and young people and encourage progression and personal development through our programmes.
New to our programme is a partnership with Adult Continuing Education, which combines their expertise in basic skills delivery and our experience in leading art and design workshops. Together we are writing a programme to teach numeracy, literacy and communications through practical workshops in 3D design, painting and drawing.
Marie Kirbyshaw is Director of Arts Workshop Trust t: 01908 608108, e: info@artsworkshop.co.uk