In 2019, in response to a Discussion Paper prepared by Milton Keynes Culture Team, AHA-MK proposed a programme of research to take a hard look at how well our arts and heritage sector engages with our diverse communities, with particular reference to gender, disability, race, religion or belief, class, sexual orientation and social mobility. Milton Keynes Council commissioned and funded AHA-MK to undertake this work and deliver an Inclusion Action Plan for Culture. Inclusion and diversity are central to the Milton Keynes Creative and Cultural Strategy, the Arts Council England’s Creative Case for Diversity, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
AHA-MK conducted 12 focus groups with diverse communities and ran a survey with the cultural sector. Our arts and heritage sector is one of the key pillars of future growth and is fundamental to placemaking, with its aim to inspire, and to create a sense of belonging, wellbeing and civic pride. However, there is much work to do to engage our diverse communities to make the sector truly diverse and inclusive. The report we created presents recommendations resulting from our research, and has resulted in a dynamic action plan to take the sector forward to the next stage of this journey of inclusion and diversity.
Read the summary report that outlines our findings and includes our recommendations here: http://aha-mk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AHA_INCLUSION_AND_DIVERSITY_REPORT_SUMMARY_ATTACHED.pdf
Read the supporting documents that detail the focus group findings and sector survey here: http://aha-mk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AHA_INCLUSION_AND_DIVERSITY_REPORT_SUPPORTING_DOC1-1.pdf
ACCESSIBLE VERSIONS
MK Community Foundation Programme of Change Strategic Grant
The programme began with inspirational talks and workshops for the sector, and offered the organisations a chance to meet and strengthen relationships with new communities. A city-wide inclusion manifesto was created and signed by the cultural sector. The second phase of the programme featured 6 artist commissions that creatively connect diverse communities with mainstream cultural spaces and networks. AHA-MK continues to work with the sector and communities to develop these relationships, undertaking the journey towards a more inclusive Milton Keynes.
A film exploring the impact of this programme can be viewed below:
The full report:
Cultural Apprenticeships
Funded by MK City Council’s £3.5m Economic Recovery Plan cultural organisations were invited to apply for a grant to employ apprentices. MK Gallery, Bletchley Park and Milton Keynes Theatre were all successful in their bids and have since recruited an apprentice each.
The apprentices are benefitting from more than 1,400 hours of work experience each across 15 months with their employer. All three apprentices will receive online specialist training from leading provider of creative apprenticeships, Creative Alliance while also learning on the job from industry experts.
Joshua Yon, Digital Marketer, MK Gallery
Born in Zimbabwe to a musical family, Joshua first moved to Milton Keynes at age 10 and over the years he has been involved in various creative and cultural events such as the MK: International Festival, taking on various roles from photographer to performing musician.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to work and learn from MK Gallery. I’ve visited the Gallery so many times and always enjoyed their work and events, so for me to be behind the scenes and contributing to those experiences is really a privilege.”- Joshua Yon
Remi Ajibola, Cultural Learning and Participation Officer, MK Theatre
Remi is an outspoken activist at heart, having engaged in programmes with groups like the Fair Education Alliance, giving a speech at the National Gallery on educational inequality and actively advocating within their poetry.
“I’m really excited to explore a field I have a genuine interest in. It’s been amazing so far, such a supportive environment and team. Looking forward to everything I have yet to learn and build.”- Remi Ajibola
Evie Spillings, Events Assistant, Bletchley Park
Evie recently completed her A-Levels at Ousedale Sixth Form in Newport Pagnell where she planned the sixth form prom alongside one of her best friends. This motivated her to choose an apprenticeship where she can integrate personal experience and academic knowledge from her events course into practical, real-world applications.
“Being a lifelong resident of Milton Keynes, I am enthusiastic about continuing my journey here, signifying my dedication to ongoing education and the value of acquiring practical skills in a professional environment. Bletchley Park’s rich history and its current role as a cultural and heritage venue add an extra layer of excitement to my journey.”- Evie Spillings
“It’s so inspiring to see young people with such passion for culture. We’re really proud to be sponsoring these apprenticeships which will give Joshua, Remi and Evie brilliant opportunities. I look forward to following their journeys and seeing them develop fulfilling careers.”
– Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Cllr Shanika Mahendran
“Creative Alliance is thrilled to announce our partnership with Milton Keynes City Council and the Arts and Heritage Alliance MK (AHA-MK). Together, we’re launching a pilot scheme that has placed three talented apprentices in three cultural venues in Milton Keynes, namely MK Gallery, Milton Keynes Theatre and Bletchley Park. This collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic support of MK City Council. We’re ready to empower the next generation of creative talent in the heart of Milton Keynes.”
Apprenticeship Recruitment Manager for Creative Alliance, Jane Wright