This is a FREE event via Zoom

Saturday, 20 February | 11am -1pm 

Please note this event will be recorded.

Live captioning and BSL interpretation will be available. 

When registering please let us know if you need BSL interpretation so we can let you know how to configure your Zoom set-up to see the BSL interpreter, or if you have any additional access requirements.

Click here to register.


Sharing Art and Us shines a spotlight on MK Gallery's Inclusive Practice in the Arts programme, designed with and for children with complex support needs and their families, to explore and reflect on its impact since launching in May 2018. Click here for BSL description of the event.

Drawing together key voices, including programme participants, inclusive arts practitioners, Milton Keynes' social care and education providers and service users, we will share our experiences to date whilst considering how we will increase inclusive practice at MK Gallery.

We will explore how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted children and families, the complexities of  transitioning services for young people in Milton Keynes, and consider what is needed now, probably more than ever, to ensure meaningful engagement and a true sense of belonging within the arts and our community.

Expect a verbal and visual celebration of the possibilities of collaboration, co-creativity and cross sectoral working. 

11:00 - 11:35                

Welcome and introduction: Bethany Mitchell, Curator of Inclusion, MK Gallery

Art and Us family Welcome Film

Family impact case study: Associate Artist Sophie Bennett, with Helen, Pete, Charlie and Archie Jones

Young peoples’ ‘Creative Contribution’ Film: Freddie, Martha and Ruby

Associate Artist impact case study: Associate Artists Willow Mitchell and Amy Leung

11:40 - 12:10

Covid-19 impact on families: Sarah Westacott

Making Connections, MK Council: Alison Baldwin, Deputy Outreach Manager, Milton Keynes Council

Making Connections, Parent and Carers Alliance MK (PACA MK): Susan Akhtar

An introduction to Project Art Works: Esther Springett, Peer Support & Community Networks Coordinator and Patricia Finnegan, Creative Programme Manager

12:15 - 13:00

An introduction to the PACE Centre: Hannah Shelton, Physiotherapist  

Young person’s testimonial: Elleshia

Young artist in conversation with… Associate Artist Alice Boland Rhodes and Sarah

MK Snap in conversation with… Associate Artist Julia Collar, Steven Carruthers Director of Learning and Quality MK Snap, and MK Snap Learner Stefan

Artist/Family co-created workshop ‘The Bubble Bash’ led by Associate Artist Willow Mitchell, with Georgena and Belle. This short workshop will celebrate the playful and sensory quality of Art and Us sessions by sharing how to make a bubble snake blower!  This session is planned and delivered by Art and Us family participants. If you would like to 'make along' with them during the workshop, please gather the following materials in advance:

  • A sock
  • A plastic bottle cut in half
  • An elastic band
  • A bowl with a small amount of water and drop of washing up liquid
  • A bowl or tray to catch your bubbles

Please remember to take care if you're using any liquids near your Zoom device and to support your children to take part.

13:00 – 13:10

Optional question and answer section: Bethany Mitchell, Susan Akhtar, Esther Springett and Alison Baldwin will be available to respond to questions that have arisen throughout todays sessions and to hear your thoughts and feedback.