Links

Links on this page take you directly to other arts organisations in MK and the region which either support or fund the arts. There are also lots of other links including to useful national organisations such as the Arts Council England and the Voluntary Arts Network who provide a useful round-up of information - including more funding - for artists working further afield. If you would like to submit a link email: info@artsgatewaymk.org.uk

Arts Organisations

Arts Organisation locally and nationally

Arts and Heritage Alliance (AHA-MK)

 (previously MK Cultural Alliance) is a representative forum, working collaboratively to position the cultural sector as a key strategic contributor in the development of Milton Keynes.

Arts Unit

 Formerly the CultureMK coordinates the action plans outlined in the Milton Keynes Cultural Strategy, the Public Art Strategy and the emerging Heritage and Arts Strategies.

ArtworksMK

 Providing specialist equipped art and craft workshops, artists’ studios and exhibition space in Milton Keynes

Festive Road

 Festive Road is a carnival arts company that organise summer and winter carnival workshops, lantern parades and street performances. Our parades show off; our spectacular giant figurines, handmade lanterns created by school and community groups, processions of carnival goers in creative costumes and theatrical performances through the streets accompanied by live Bhangra or Samba music!

InteractionMK

 A creative development charity cultivating artistic abilities from the community and bringing arts to life in Milton Keynes.

Living Archive

 A cultural, educational and artistic agency set up to record, archive and celebrate the unique history of residents’ lives and sense of place. Also involved with film projects, creating original film scripts and young peoples documentaries.

MaD (Make A Difference)

 Offers high quality, diverse volunteering opportunities in an inclusive, supportive and encouraging environment across a wide variety of areas: Sports, Urban Art, Music, Mentoring, Media, Arts Awards – to name but a few.

Madcap

 Performing Arts Centre and Community Arts Projects

Milton Keynes Arts Education Forum

 MKAEF is a voluntary organisation set up to enhance arts education opportunities beyond the national curriculum in Milton Keynes.

MK Arts For Health

 Work with health, community and corporate clients across the Milton Keynes area to devise, manage and deliver public art projects, artist-in-residence schemes and arts-in-hospitals programmes.

stArt

 Helps businesses to grow, in the arts and creative industries. Individuals and partnerships planning to set up their own creative based businesses can access free or subsidised support.

VAN(Voluntary Arts Network)

 A development agency for the voluntary arts. They aim to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Other Arts Funders/Funding Advice

Links to other Arts Funders and Funding Advice

Arts Council

 The national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from Government and the National Lottery.

Awards For All

 A Lottery grants scheme funding small, local community-based projects in the UK.

British Council

 Offers advice and funding bringing the best of UK arts to the rest of the world. They help to create and support numerous events yearly in more than 100 countries.

Business Link

 Offer grants and government support

Clore Duffield

 The Foundation is a grant-making organisation which concentrates its support on education, the arts, museum and gallery education.

Community Radio Fund

 Funding to help fund the core costs of running a community ‘not-for-profit’ radio station.

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation

 Funding the charitable activities of organisations that have the ideas and ability to achieve change for the better. Primary interests are in the cultural life of the UK, education and learning, the natural environment and enabling disadvantaged people to participate more fully in society.

First Light Movies

 Set up to fund and inspire the making of short films by young people aged five to 19 years.

Milton Keynes Community Foundation

 A local independent grant-making charity supporting the local community

MK Youth Bank

 Run by young people for young people. If you're between 13 and 19 and have an idea for something to do for young people, you could get money to help make it happen!

MKCVO Funding Advice Service

 For any voluntary or community group who operate in the area of the Milton Keynes Unitary Authority. As well as one-to-ones you can receive a regular email alert and members of MKCVO can obtain direct access to GRANTNET – an online grants programme.

Musicians Benevolunt Fund

 Professional musicians from all musical backgrounds; classical to rock, jazz to bhangra, are invited to apply for a new MBF Professional Development Award of up to £5,000. The funding can be used for projects which will inspire musical creativity and develop skills, explore new creative directions or extend professional knowledge.

Nesta Creative Investor

 NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts - a unique and independent body with a mission to make the UK more innovative.

Own Art Scheme for New Galleries (part of the Arts Council)

 Designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy contemporary works of art and craft including paintings, photography, sculpture, glassware and furniture. You can borrow up to £2,000, or as little as £100, and pay back the loan in 10 monthly instalments - interest free.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

 An Awards scheme in 1993 to support artists by providing them with financial assistance at a critical point in their careers. The aim of the Awards was to give artists the freedom to develop their creative ideas and to contribute to their personal and professional growth. They also have an Open Arts Scheme.

Philip Leverhulme (Performing and Visual Arts)

 The prizes are for outstanding young scholars who have made a substantial and recognised contribution to their particular field of study and whose future contributions are held to be of correspondingly high promise. For Performing and Visual Arts.

Princes Trust Community Cash Awards

 Grants of up to £5,000 to help young people set up a project that will benefit their community.

PRS Foundation (Music)

 The UK's largest independent funder purely for new music of any genre. Its main aims are to stimulate and support the creation and performance of new music in the UK, ensuring this reaches a wide audience. In addition, it motivates public debate about creative music-making in the UK, for example through ground-breaking projects such as the New Music Award.

Screen South (Film)

 Funding and support for Media and Film in the South East

The John Paul Getty Trust

 Invite applications from registered charities for nurturing and developing artistic endeavour of the highest quality

UK Film Council

 Funding script development, film production, short films, film export and distribution, cinemas, film education, culture and archives, festivals and audience support schemes.

Wolverton Science & Art Institution Fund

 Promotes education and in particular education in art, studying or working in ancient parish of Wolverton and Stantonbury. Some funding available.

Young Musicians Awards

 Awards between £200 and £2,000, based on evidence of musical talent and financial need. The awards can help with: the purchase or hire of musical instruments and accessories; music lessons; weekend music schools; music courses; orchestra fees; travel. Applicants are required to: have achieved distinction in their last music exam, or, show evidence of this level of ability; be recommended by their music teacher; have their families show evidence of financial need.

Youth Music

 Youth Music distributes its funds in a variety of ways including: Open Programmes, Partnership Programmes, Action Zones and Youth Music initiatives.

Visual Arts

Anything relating to the Visual Arts

Artworks MK

 Providing specialist equipped art and craft workshops, artists’ studios and exhibition space.

Bucks Open Studios

 Exhibitions and Events. Artists and Makers open their doors to all.

Eccentric-O

 An emerging Artist/Designer who simply wants to use his talents to heal the world. He specialises in textile design and airbrushing. Eccentric O official collection to Launch August 2011.

Feather Graphics

 An online shop set up by Helen Casey-Green to purchase her prints, photos and textiles. She also runs courses throughout the year and holds events called Eye to Eye Collective giving an opportunity for Artists and Designer Makers to present their work for sale or by commission.

Fringe MK

 Set up by Sally Annett and Gavin Anderson to stage events, exhibitions, workshops for arts and culture in Milton Keynes. Their aim is to provide a core sequence of ‘Arts’ events for Milton Keynes, around which artists, performers and organisations can programme their own projects generating a large scale national festival. They also run an annual painting prize.

House Gallery

 Showcasing the best of British Art and Craft, The House Gallery in Olney, Buckinghamshire exhibits a wide variety of jewellery, fine art, ceramics and more.

Icetwice Gallery

 Considered to be the most intriguing, innovative and entertaining contemporary commercial art gallery in the Milton Keynes/Bedford/Northampton triangle, providing a focus for talent and a destination for consumers. They feature artists from the USA, Europe and Asia; from London’s fine art schools and studios; and locally from Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. There are painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, printmakers and many other disciplines.

Madcap Theatre Gallery Space

 Arts Centre based in Wolverton - hold monthly exhibitions by local and up and coming artists

Mahogany Gallery

 Mahogany Gallery have set up their showrooms in Framing Corner Limited in the quaint streets of Woburn Sands on the out skirts of Milton Keynes. Mahogany have created a relaxed Gallery where you feel no pressure in just browsing or just having a chat with a cup of coffee or tea about art.

Milton Keynes Film Network

 The Milton Keynes Film Network is an open network started to bring together all those interested in Filmmaking in our great city. We hope this will help in establishing a more public film scene, encourage new collaborations and enable productions to happen.

Milton Keynes Gallery

 The city’s purpose built contemporary art gallery, presents a programme of international contemporary art, both on and offsite. Admission is free. They also hold workshops and educational events.

MK Society Of Artists

 The Society welcomes all artists regardless of age or ability. Their aim is to provide facilities for art related activities and a forum for like minded individuals.

Norths Bucks Decorative and Fine Arts Societies

 Part of the international NADFAS - now has a new Society, in north Buckinghamshire, holding monthly meetings in the Lovat Hall, Newport Pagnell. These illustrated lectures are given by professionals in their respective fields - architecture and design, old masters and futuristic sculpture, silverware and garden design, furniture in the eighteenth century and lives of artists throughout the ages.

Olney Wine Bar

 Exhibition Space

Purple Poppy Gallery

 An art gallery in Ampthill, Beds. They also hold art course and workshops and have an online shop.

Sitting Ducks

 Sitting Ducks are a group of artists who first met whilst installing other artists work at Milton Keynes Gallery. They first exhibited in 2006 and have since gone on to produce exhibitions and projects across the south east of England. This website records the work of the group. Information about up coming projects by both the group and the individual members is listed below.

The AIM Gallery

 New art gallery for the people of Milton Keynes in regional shopping destination, thecentre:mk. Based at 759 Midsummer Boulevard (next to Costa Coffee). AIM would like to hear from local artists and craftspeople who would like to exhibit their work. Call in Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm, Thursday 2pm - 6pm with business card and / or A4 size copies or photographs of work.

The Stani Gallery of Stony Stratford

 Unique Distinctive Art on display from over 35 local artists and artisans from Bucks, Beds, Herts and Northants consisting of painting, photography, ceramics, glass, blacksmithing, jewellery, sculpture, wood and pottery ; together with a picture framing, bespoke art commissions and wedding wish list service. With affordable prices starting from only a few pounds, there is something to suit all pockets as well.

UCMK Gallery

 The public gallery at UCMK was opened in September 2008 at the new University Centre Milton Keynes, 200 Silbury Boulevard, CMK and showcases the work of local artists and students. Please contact Adrian Pinckard, Head of Art, Design & Media on: 01908 637276 or email: adrian.pinckard@mkcollege.ac.uk, for more details.

Vinasha Productions

 Pioneer in African Independent Film since 1997. They are now focusing on Motion Pictures

Westbury Farm Studios

 Formerly known as the Silbury Group, is a not for profit, artist led organisation based in Milton Keynes. It provides practising artists with permanent and temporary art studios, project spaces and exhibition facilities. They aim to encourage awareness, understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual arts.

Music

Anything relating to Music

Big Fun With Brian Events

 Holding live music nights in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, with a blend of musical styles including; live bands, DJ's playing anything from Reggae to Techno, acoustic acts, African drummers and Didgeridoos!. They often have visual artists, circus acts and fire shows at the same time.

Grid City Committee

 GCC aims to promote the music of MK, to support and advise local musicians. The concept behind Grid City Committee is to generate interest in and set up an Advice Hub/Drop In and Information Centre for musicians in Milton Keynes- offering free advice and support for both aspiring and established musicians in the city trying to break in to the music industry. The GCC runs in conjunction with MaD and in partnership with Snoosh Productions.

MK Acapella

 Male Vocal Harmony Group. They teach, coach and sing are always keen to welcome new members. They also perform at functions or events.

MK Dhol

 Milton Keynes' only Dhol Drumming Band, MK Dhol, invite you to join their weekly drumming class suitable for beginners and intermediate level players. MK Dhol are a group of Drummers aged 8-18 who practice together at a friendly and energetic music workshop.

Olney Wine Bar Music

 Thursday to Saturday is always music night at the Olney Wine Bar. Open from 5.30pm, come in for drinks or a meal, from our set menu and afterwards, we clear the floor for dancing. We offer live music to suit all tastes and guaranteed to get you on your feet and having a great time.

Snobar Open Mic Night

 With a chilled atmosphere and great drinks deals Open Mic Night on a Sunday is the perfect way to end the weekend. We get everything from song writers, beatboxers, poets and stand up at the night so if you fancy it come down to SNO!bar in the Xscape and showcase your talents!

Snoosh Productions

 From free parties in the Mid 90's, to a free urban music festival in 2006, from Get Funked to the Buszy Jam, Snoosh Productions have provided music lovers of all generations around MK, a chance to experience underground sounds and genres. We showcase some of the best in local Breakbeat, Hip-Hop, Drum&Bass, Tech House, Electro, Funk, Soul, and Reggae DJ's and live acts to give u that unique Underground party atmosphere.

Snosounds @ Snozone

 SNO!zone is offering local and unsigned bands/acts the opportunity to perform and gain valuable publicity in the cafe and/or the bar in front of some of the coolest customers in Milton Keynes! Either promote your own night or alternatively join one of the various events we run throughout the year, with the added advantage of overall marketing and promotion from SNO!zone.

Stony Stratford Music

 Find out what’s happening in the world of Stony Stratford. There are various regular music events such as ‘Rocking Horse Nights’ at the White Horse pub.

Sunset Lounge Open Mic

 Quality musicians showing off their talents each week. A lovely vibe of bean bags, candles and throws transforming the back of the Cannon pub in Newport Pagnell!

Wolverton Town Band

 Brass Band music for all occasions.... The band offers free membership, instrument hire and tuition to new and established players!

Dance

Anything relating to Dance

Desperate 2 Dance Company

 Established in 1993, the desperate 2 dance company is a performance based dance group to provde lovers of street dance, jazz and hip-hop with the skills they need to go out there and boogie! Girls and boys from 6 - 18yrs, ladies, choreographry for those special First Dances for wedding couples. Working with many schools (pupils with varied learning abilities), as well as shopping centres and at birthday parties.

Other

Anything that doesn\'t quite fit into the other link sections!

MK Magic Agency

 Chris Richards is Milton Keynes’ elite professional entertainer and close up magician. Whatever and wherever the occasion, Chris brings a unique style, charm and charisma that you can ensure will keep your guests captivated and will provide you with memories you can treasure. Chris specialises in close up performance entertainment and magic, and can also provide children’s entertainment from an MK:Magic approved performer.

MK Mix

 The MK MIX goes beyond strands of equality and diversity by simply crelebrating the contribution individuals are making to the positive development of Milton Keynes through Art, Culture and Enterprise.

Tutor Hunt

 We provide a completely free service both tutors and students to locate each other. We are used by thousands of parents/students and feel Tutor Hunt would be a useful resource for your readers.