At The Montgomery, we believe in the power of creativity to bring people together and foster a sense of community. That’s why we’re thrilled to tell you about Monty Makers, our in-house strand of participation work specifically designed for children and young people. Monty Makers encompasses a range of exciting initiatives aimed at providing opportunities for creative exploration, self-expression, and social interaction. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the key activities of Monty Makers and showcase the impact they have had on our community.

Regular Family Fun Days 

One of the cornerstones of Monty Makers is our Regular Family Fun Days. These special events bring children, young people, and their families together to participate in various activities and have fun collectively. Whether it’s engaging in arts and crafts, enjoying interactive storytelling sessions, or taking part in creative workshops, our Family Fun Days offer a supportive space for families to bond and create lasting memories. By removing financial barriers and providing a welcoming environment, we aim to strengthen familial relationships and promote social interaction among community members. These events have become a beloved tradition at The Montgomery and are eagerly anticipated by families throughout the year. This programme is tailored to families on low incomes and those being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. All sessions are free and come with a hot meal. 

Youth Theatre of Sanctuary 

As part of our commitment to inclusivity and promoting cultural integration, as we work towards becoming an Arts Centre of Sanctuary, we have partnered with Stand and Be Counted Theatre to establish the Youth Theatre of Sanctuary since January 2022. This Saturday club is specifically designed for children and young people from sanctuary-seeking families. With a weekly attendance of 45-60 members, this programme offers a creative outlet for participants to explore their talents, build confidence, and express themselves through theatre and performance. The Youth Theatre of Sanctuary has become a space where young individuals can find their voice, share their stories, and develop valuable skills. Since January 2022, this collaboration has resulted in five remarkable performances that have filled audiences with joy and highlighted the creativity of these young performers. We are excited to develop the Youth Theatre of Sanctuary to begin programming our seasons of performances for children and young people. Their first curated programme ran in June– Mini Mig Mat at the Monty!

Season Programming 

At The Montgomery, we believe that access to high-quality artistic performances should not be limited by financial constraints. That’s why our Monty Makers initiative includes an exciting array of small and mid-scale touring family shows as part of our season programming. We strive to make tickets affordable and, in some cases, even free, ensuring that disadvantaged young people and their families can experience the magic of live theatre. By removing financial barriers, we aim to inspire and engage young audiences, broadening their horizons and nurturing a lifelong love for the arts. Our season programming has proven to be a catalyst for creativity and imagination, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the children and young people who attend.

Through Monty Makers, we are proud to contribute to the cultural enrichment of our community and provide platforms for creative expression and social connection. We believe that by nurturing the creativity and potential of children and young people, we are sowing the seeds for a brighter future. Watch the video below for a glimpse into the vibrant activities and inspiring performances that took place as part of Monty Makers in 2022:

We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of creativity and community at The Montgomery. Keep an eye out for upcoming Monty Makers events and be part of the joy, laughter, and artistic exploration that continues to flourish within our walls. Together, let’s create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

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