A group of six MK teenagers are at the helm as The Big Make returns for a second year, calling all children and young people in Milton Keynes to make, create and share this July.
The Big Make is an annual celebration of the amazing creativity in Milton Keynes, from painting to baking, rapping to sculpture, sewing to writing - anything is possible. This year, the project is managed by a team of teenagers encouraging all people aged 0-25 to try out new ways of getting creative, learn new skills, or test new ideas.
Big Make team member, Bella Emrys, says “The Big Make is a wonderful project encouraging children and young people to discover, improve and share many different forms of creativity. It’s a great opportunity to reignite a passion for creativity or find one for the first time. And have fun along the way!”
The team is supported by youth organisation Offset Projects, and MAKE, MK’s Cultural Education Partnership who shaped last year’s inaugural celebration.
Tara Page from Offset Projects said, “We set up The Big Make in 2020 in response to the pandemic and to the increasing demand from employers for creative skills. Over 650 MK children got involved last year. This year, we’ve got a wonderful team shaping the project, developing great leadership skills along the way, and the celebrations promise to be bigger and better!”
Oakgrove secondary school has already kicked off celebrations with various arts activities after winning a Big Make hamper full of art goodies. Free activity packs are also available to eligible MK schools to spark imaginations.
Registration is free and once signed up, work will be shared publicly online and celebrated throughout the month of July. Children can take part independently, with friends or family, through a school, youth group, or favourite arts venue. Register at www.thebigmake.org by 30 June to take part.
The project is funded by Arts Council England, MK Community Foundation, The North Bucks Arts Society, and with the kind support from public donations.