Following the success of our ‘On the Road’ programme in 2025-26, Milton Keynes Arts Centre is extending it until 31 March 2027, with no increase in the price. We are now inviting town and parish councils to be part of our 2026-27 On the Road programme. We welcome bookings from councils we have worked with previously as well as new bookers.
Established in 1974 by the Milton Keynes Corporation, for 50 years MKAC has provided opportunities for diverse communities to come together, to learn life-enhancing skills through working with professional artists and to feel part of a creative and inclusive community.
In April 2025, Milton Keynes Arts Centre took its programme ‘On the Road’. Through working in partnership with town and parish councils across the city, we enabled 368 residents of age 16 or over to take part in 30 artist-led creative sessions in their local areas and to learn skills in Drawing,
Printmaking, Weaving, Quiltmaking, String Art and Lippan Art.
Our 2025-26 programme took place in Bletchley, Bow Brickhill, Bradville, Broughton, Coffee Hall, Conniburrow, Fullers Slade, New Bradwell, Oxley Park, Springfield and Stony Stratford. Places were available for low or no cost. These sessions were designed to:
• Support skills development and lifelong learning
• Reduce stress, build self-confidence and improve mental health
• Encourage people to come together for a fun and engaging activity in a safe and supportive
environment
• 95% of participants in the programme rated the experience ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.
• 92% said they would book again.
• Asked their motivation for booking, 45% of participants told us they had an interest in art, 36% were looking for something different and 28% were attending for their own wellbeing.
• The session and tutor. Sarah was brilliant. I learnt so much & really enjoyed it.
• Taught me some new skills and gave me mindfulness time out.
• It was nice and relaxed, not intimidating at all and really informative in terms of teaching us to look properly.
• Clear instructions. Very helpful. Hands on straight away.
• Great that it was local & free too! It was very relaxing, nice to give something new a go.
• Something different. A good time in the evening so I could join after work. Really well organised & loads of fun!
