The Arts & Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes (AHA-MK) is a forum of organisations that work together to position the cultural sector as a strategic contributor to the community and economy of Milton Keynes. We promote, represent and develop arts and heritage, collaboratively delivering or supporting exciting activities. Through our work we champion the rich heritage and the creative future of Milton Keynes.
AHA-MK is the lead organisation for MAKE, the Milton Keynes Cultural Education Partnership. Together we nourish and support the creative and cultural wellbeing of our children and young people.
Being a member of AHA-MK provides opportunities to work collaboratively to represent, promote and develop the cultural offer in Milton Keynes and the wider region. Benefits for members include:
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If you are interested in joining AHA-MK, and feel that your organisation contributes strategically to the development of arts and heritage in Milton Keynes, please contact the team via hello@aha-mk.org.
The Team
Chair – Mandy Legg
In her capacity as Chair, Mandy will lead AHA-MK in its mission to champion the rich heritage and the creative future of Milton Keynes. With her visionary leadership, AHA-MK will continue to work on behalf of the Arts & Heritage organisations to position the cultural sector as a strategic contributor to the community and economy of Milton Keynes.
Prior to her appointment, Mandy Legg served in various leadership positions, including Chair of Dada-South 2003 – 2007, a regional organisation in the South East, championing the work of disabled artists, and Director of Inter-Action MK, 1993-2006 demonstrating her commitment to promoting the arts and heritage.
Her work as an artist photographer was well known in the nineties, with her show titled, ‘Out to Lunch – A Personal Exploration of the Psychiatric System’ touring galleries nationally, and being the subject of two television programmes, BBC 2 ‘From the Edge’ and ITV ‘Link.’ Her dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts aligns perfectly with the values of the Alliance.
Director – Hannah Ellams
With a BA (Hons) in Visual Arts and History from Cheltenham Art College, Hannah completed her MA in Curating Contemporary Design (a partnership programme between Kingston University and the Design Museum London) whilst working as a Project Manager for The National Portrait Gallery.
She has worked for Local Authorities, Independent Trusts, National Museums and volunteer led organisations. Hannah set up her own freelance consultancy in April 2021 and has been supporting several local heritage and community organisations around Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and wider afield. Her experience covers community development, audience consultation, partnership working, activities and events, operations, project management and fundraising. Hannah is also the Chair of Slough Museum.
Hannah is excited to be part of the AHA-MK team, to champion the rich heritage and creative future of Milton Keynes. With close family based in Milton Keynes since the 1950s, the local area is close to her heart. Her email is Director@aha-mk.org
Learning and Inclusion Manager – Camille Poole
With a degree in Ancient History from the University of Durham, she began her career at Clitheroe Castle Museum whilst studying for a PG diploma in Sustainable Communities and Environments at Sheffield Hallam University. This was followed by a cultural apprenticeship at the Horniman Museum in South East London and engagement – focussed roles at Hall Place in Bexley; Kew Gardens, and Keats’ House Museum in Hampstead.
She moved to Milton Keynes 7 years ago, and has worked with Milton Keynes Museum, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre and Community Action: MK. She is passionate about working with communities, supporting culture and creativity, whilst striving for equity in our New City. She’s looking forward to collaborating with project partners MK Museum on their ‘A Museum for a New City’ project, supporting the Cultural Apprentices, and supporting our Cultural Education Partnership, MAKE. You can reach her by emailing camille@aha-mk.org
Structure and Governance
AHA-MK is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), charity number: 1158874. We have a CIO Constitution and are governed by a board of trustees.
Our trustees are:
Mandy Legg (Chair)
Amanda Farr
Emma Courtney (Vice Chair)
Francesca Skelton
Laura Keen (Treasurer)
Victoria Mayes
Rob Gifford
Laxman Kastala
Hannah Olarewaju
Yvonne Owuor
Image: MK Hindu Association at Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram. Tree Cathedral. IF Milton Keynes International Festival 2021. Photo ©Shaun Armstrong scaled.jpg
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