Schools workshops
Supporting personal development for students aged 12+
Dates available throughout Autumn term 2022 | In person, in school | FREE
Students from Milton Keynes secondary schools are airing their views on youth culture in the city at unique ‘Long Table’ workshops. Their ideas, thoughts and opinions about being a citizen today are contributing to the creation of Milton Keynes’ first public artwork for and about young people. This is your school’s chance to ensure your students’ voices are not left out.
Workshop theme: Right Now and Tomorrow
From its design as a new town in 1967, to its new status as a city in 2022, Milton Keynes has been shaped around people - but how do MK’s diverse youth communities want their youth cultures represented?
Students will participate in workshops using the Long Table discussion format to stimulate writing and conversation on what they value culturally right now; and what they want, and need, from their city in the future.
Suitable for groups in any subject area, this is an opportunity for students to practise communication skills in a reflective, democratic and creative setting. Each discussion is tailored to the participating year group. Workshops are hosted by artist, Lu Williams.
These workshops are part of Fuelled by Youth, led by Offset Projects. They are supported by Arts Council England and Milton Keynes Council.
What is a Long Table?
The Long Table is a format for discussion that uses the setting of a dining table as a means to generate public conversation. It is structured by ‘Long Table Etiquette’ which allows voices to be heard equally without hierarchy. Long tables are often used to cultivate community and encourage the sharing of community knowledge around difficult conversations.
Long Tables have been held around the world in venues such as universities, festivals, and arts organisations. They can be used as a means to generate discussion on any topic and previous examples include Democracy & Technology; Feminism; and Gender & Citizenship.
Available dates & booking information
19, 20, 21, 22,26, 27, 28, 29 September
3,4,5,17,18,19, 24 October
Workshops are 1 hour long and can be booked at a time of day to suit your students. The maximum groups size is approx. 30.
There is no cost to your school to take part.
About the facilitators
Offset Projects
Offset Projects specialises in developing creative opportunities for youth leadership, the sharing of youth voice and skills development. In 2021/22, we supported the development of 35 young leaders across Milton Keynes, consulted over 1750 children and young people; celebrated the work of 1000+ young artists; delivered over 100 Arts Award qualifications and supported 28 schools.
Lu Williams
Lu Williams uses research and community engagement to produce zines, print, sculpture, drawing, writing, events and workshops. They are interested in social history, accessibility, labour, DIY culture, protest and makes work through the lens of queerness, neurodivergence and working classness.
