Art Makes People Powerful (AMPP) took over the old Makerspace premises on Dove Street in February, and has been busy establishing a diverse programme of creative activities since opening.
Meet the founders
The team behind AMPP are trained educators and artists in their own right. Sarah Nkugwa from Pop Print Studio and Lulu Horsfield from Rock Paper Scissors have joined forces to become Art Makes People Powerful CIC.
This collaboration, which sees two creative powerhouses working together for the first time on this scale, is already proving a huge success.
United by shared values
Having been friends for many years and having worked together infrequently, both women knew they shared a deep belief in the power of creativity and entrepreneurship. They had each been teaching art through their respective companies, but found that it had become increasingly taxing having to lug large amounts of kit around in their cars.
Knowing each other personally and professionally had already laid the groundwork for a fruitful collaboration. They both have a profound commitment to accessibility and inclusivity and have always delivered workshops that cater to a wide range of needs. Combining forces, audiences, skills, and commitment, in order to open their first premises together, has resulted in the creation of a high-quality, well-stocked arts space that takes a skills-based approach to learning.
Sarah and Lulu emphasised that they teach practical skills at their studio. It's not just colouring, sticking and glueing, although they recognise there is a place for such activity. AMPP studio focuses on teaching actual skills, like building, designing, moulding, sculpting, drawing, and storytelling. Their workshops are about teaching people techniques and processes that they can take away and fly with.
Whilst they are committed to delivering arts sessions that forefront skills acquisition, they also value experimentation and play, firmly acknowledging that flexibility can create space for new innovation. Both passionately believe that qualifications aren’t needed to be a successful artist, or to hold an exhibition, so there are no barriers to entry to share your work at this studio.
The first six months
Located on Dove Street, opposite the side entrance to The Dove Inn, their new building has been converted into a welcoming centre for artistic creation. It has been kitted out with some fantastic equipment, which includes, amongst other things, a 4-metre fabric printing table, a T-shirt press, an exposure unit for screen printing, and frankly, the most beautifully organised crafts shelves that have ever existed.
Each wall is meticulously painted, and the rooms are spacious, well-stocked, practical, and pretty. It is clear that the new premises are a much-loved endeavour. This passion is reflected in every well-tended and cherished inch of the building, from the vibrant collection of flower beds hanging on the driveway walls to the impeccably illustrated chalkboards, the whole studio is alive with creativity.
Building a creative community
As a non-profit community interest company, people are the heart and soul of everything they do. In their first few months since opening, six workshop attendees have moved into long-term voluntary roles, donating their time and skills to further add to the special community they are creating.
Most of these dedicated volunteers first came to the studio when they attended their popular ‘open sessions’, a weekly event that facilitates a supportive space for artists to develop work. AMPP has been overwhelmed by their exceeding generosity and kindness. Volunteers have helped with exhibition installation, material preparation, and have even donated flowers to adorn their secret courtyard. One supporter fixed a large hole in the outdoor decking and installed boards ready for an external mural.
Both founders were keen to emphasise that any and all kinds of voluntary support are gratefully received. One volunteer, who is partially sighted, supports their social media delivery and has helped them make the space more accessible by sharing their needs. Known for being a responsive organisation that has always championed inclusivity, they were immensely grateful for this volunteer's feedback, which has improved the studio’s accessibility.
Exhibitions and gallery space
They always intended that their premises would be multi-functional – offering a space to create, connect, and share – so a gallery space on-site was a no-brainer. Submissions opened at the beginning of July, and AMPP were delighted to have accepted work by 20 local artists, from a huge range of backgrounds. The exhibition opened on 26 July, on the theme of ‘Art Makes People Powerful’, and will be in place until August 25th.
Current opening times can be found on their social media.
Workshops and courses
Having their own premises has enabled AMPP to offer a varied and vibrant programme of arts activities, catering for people of all ages.
During term-time, they run a Saturday Art Club (4-11yrs), and High School Sketchbook Club (12-16yrs), which have both proved to be very popular. They also offer a weekly Open Studio, held on a Wednesday, for all ages and abilities.
Throughout summer, their programming changes to suit differing needs, so the Open Studio moves to fortnightly, and new activities are launched.
Their flagship project for the holidays is the ‘Summer Hideouts’, a twice-weekly full-day art camp at the studio, for 5-11-year- olds, where attendees can access the studio's amazing materials, and get creative in a safe environment.
For those artists who are starting to seriously pursue their creativity, or for those who just want some more intensive support to develop their craft, AMPP also offer bespoke mentoring and one-to-one sessions. These workshops are carefully designed to offer a person-centred approach, supporting individuals to develop the skills they need to take their creativity to the next level.
In the autumn, they will be launching their first Print course at the studio, a 10-week programme aimed at adults, that equips attendees with a solid foundation in print-making. Participants will be taught a range of skills and approaches, whilst also getting the opportunity to use the professional equipment on-site to make their work.
Alternative education provision
With a talented and ambitious team at the helm, it's no surprise that AMPP have more exciting plans up their sleeves. On the week of this interview, they had just acquired official status as an ‘alternative education provision’ for young people. An achievement that is especially important to them both, as it reflects one of the core values of the studio: Inclusion.
Launching in September and running three days a week, the aim will be to provide therapeutic provision for young people who have found mainstream education challenging. They want to use art as a tool to enable people to explore their creativity, and with support from the trained AMPP team, to enable them to find their next pathway in life.
The ultimate goal is to support young people to decide, for themselves, what would work best for them in the future. That may be re-engaging with mainstream education, or going to college, but it's about what is right for that particular person. Despite having gained official status, AMPP will still retain the flexibility and dynamism that they have become known for. They are not, and will not become a ‘school’, and are so very excited to launch their supported programme of creativity for young people outside of the mainstream.
Looking ahead
Along with AMPP's exciting programme of in-house arts activities, they are also keen to partner and collaborate with others.
They have already hosted a range of events, including a letter-writing session and a live performance event. The outdoor space has its own stage, and they are very excited to host live performers at the celebration event marking the end of their first exhibition, in partnership with emerging arts collective, Cognito, on Saturday, 23 August.
All are welcome.
