In response to 2020’s Covid national lockdown, MAKE launched The Big MAKE to support children and young people at this challenging time. 13 schools and over 600 children and young people responded to celebrate creativity in all forms, shared via social media. An optional Big MAKE fundraiser invited children and young people to sell their creations; do a sponsored ‘make’; or set a fundraising challenge. It raised £1,324. 120 Quest Boxes containing story-making activities for Year 6 pupils were commissioned to explore the theme of ‘transition’ through creative writing. Designed by artist Jonny Clapham, these were distributed to pupils unable to return to school due to Covid-19.
In 2021 MAKE was awarded Arts Council funding to develop The Big Make #2. The Big MAKE #2 included a significant lead in time where a team of young people led the project. Guided by Offset Projects, the team developed project management and creative skills to drive forward the city-wide quest for creativity. Working with a designer, they created a Music Box for primary school children and a Well Being Box for secondary school students. 240 boxes were distributed to pupils in MK. Over 1300 pupils took part in the wider activities of The Big Make #2 by submitting expressions of creativity.
As part of The Big Make #2 MAKE secured funding from MK Community Foundation to develop 15 short workshops that developed creativity in young people. You can find these here.
The Arts and Heritage Alliance MK is the lead organisation for MAKE. Together we nourish and support the creative and cultural skills and wellbeing of our children and young people. Charity number 1158874.
MAKE is supported by Milton Keynes City Council.
© 2023 AHA-MK. AHA-MK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity number: 1158874