Our Approach
We are a registered charity here to ‘Support the creative development and promotion of the arts in Milton Keynes’ via our creative arts hubs, website, newsletters, mentoring, social networking & organising regular Creative Arts Showcase (Networking) Events across all the creative genres.
We run Creative Hubs called Arts Central currently just at Kiln Farm. We offer permanent creative studio space.
The Arts Gateway office is based at Arts Central – Kiln Farm.
Our Story
Arts Gateway MK is an arts charity here to support, nurture and promote the arts and creative artists in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.
Established over 20 years ago as the Milton Keynes Arts Association, we offer collaborative work space for creative artists (Arts Central), mentoring, event promotion, networking for creative artists and those interested in the creative arts, volunteering opportunities and resource and equipment hire for events (CARC).
Meet the Team
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John Best
Chair of Trustees
John Best is a town planner and urbanist, formerly CEO of MK Council, and now finding ways to put MK firmly on the cultural map through the work of Arts Gateway. He lives in New Bradwell, is involved in several waterways projects including as SE chair of the Canal & River Trust, and is an occasional bass guitarist.
Chris Collet
Trustee
After 34 years in the Army, initially as a flyer and later in a diplomatic role, Chris and his wife settled in MK where they already had a home. Now engaged in consultancy and coaching, Chris brings a great deal of organisational experience, some very practical skills and a level head to Arts Gateway’s dynamic working environment.
Chris Bradley
Trustee
Chris has been working in Dance for two decades, performing, making and teaching Contemporary Dance and Dance Theatre, touring extensively, and has for many years been actively involved in Arts Gateway's dance activities. He is a founder director of Mótus dance which in 2018 fledged from Arts Gateway to become an independent organisation, organising workshops and festivals in Milton Keynes and elsewhere. Actively involved in many aspects of the arts sector in the city he is very well positioned to promote the work and status of the AGMK, and ensure that dance continues to play an important part in our work.
Darren Millis
Trustee
Darren Millis is a Partner, and Head of Department, at Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors based in Milton Keynes. Darren is a commercial property lawyer dealing with commercial and residential developments and commercial leases.
Joan Stewart
Trustee
Joan Stewart volunteers at Arts Gateway and the Citizens Advice Bureau, has recently been learning more about the history of visual culture, and appreciates others’ creative endeavours. She worked for many years in software development at the Open University. She believes that the arts provide enjoyment, stimulation and enhance understanding of our complex world.
Sam Bradford
Trustee
Sam has worked in the financial sector for 26 years and is a a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. After starting in banking, she worked in several financial institutions before returning to banking, as an adviser for Barclays Wealth. Though working in Birmingham, she and her family have lived in Milton Keynes for 20 years, where she brings significant business connections to Arts Gateway`s activities. She is a longstanding Scout Leader in MK and brings experience of youth organisations and of fundraising.
Debby Griffin
Office Manager
I am Debby Griffin, Resident and Office Manager. I became a resident after volunteering when Arts Central moved to Kiln Farm. Since then I have grown my artistic business and regularly attend Fayres with my work. From January 2019 I took on the role of Office Manager which has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. Looking Forward to being part of Art Centrals growth.
Helen Potter
Office Support
Bio coming soon.
Hayden Otton
Building & Facilities Manager
Bio coming soon.
Susan Mooiman
Residents Rep & Social Media
Bio coming soon.
Jane Charles
Office Support
Bio coming soon.
Make a donation
Arts Gateway MK is a not-for-profit social enterprise, registered at the Charity Commission (No. 1126872) and constantly looking for new ways to support and promote arts and the creative sector in and around Milton Keynes.
We receive no external funding for our survival, but have been able to get some projects funded by the Arts Council, MK Community Foundation , MK Council and others. We cover our operating costs through what we charge artists for their use of our spaces, and aim to keep these costs very low. Why not help creative development in MK by making a donation? If you donate through Gift Aid your money is increased by the Government.
Donations can be either single or monthly recurring payments. We really do appreciate your support. Thank you very much.