My professional interest in participatory arts has led me to MAKE, a creative studio space in the heart of the Story Garden (link) in King’s Cross. Developed in consultation with local partners and managed by CSM, MAKE provides a supportive, creative and experimental learning environment for the students of CSM across all disciplines, as well as providing specialist knowledge and resources for the communities and residents of Somers Town and Camden.

This new-found freedom outside of the studios and workshops of the main CSM site has led to collaborations with local school groups, residents and artists living in Somers Town, and CSM students from a range of disciplines I’ve not encountered since working at foundation level many years ago. I am fortunate to hold the space and facilitate multiple levels of creative exchange, expertise and meaningful discussion amongst those that visit. This includes mentoring emerging artists as part of a graduate resident scheme, offering teaching experience to postgrad and final year students in public workshops, and the pleasure of bringing participants of different ages and backgrounds to work on experimental, material interventions and evaluating the different teaching methodologies used. There’s even time for some raku.

As a new site with broad aims of serving both the local community and the needs of the students at CSM, one thing is for certain, this exciting new world opens up a world of possibilities, but can also be burdened by the expectations of many. You can find out more aboutMAKEhere.