Huddersfield’s much-loved MakerWorld programme is returning this summer, thanks to a new wave of funding that will see activity continue in both Huddersfield and Dewsbury from 25 July through to Christmas.

Supported by the One Community Foundation, Our Cultural Heart fund, Kirklees Council and the Healthy Food and Activities Programme, MakerWorld, an initiative from The Children’s Art School, will once again open its doors at the Packhorse Centre in Huddersfield and the Princess of Wales Precinct in Dewsbury, offering free, hands-on creative experiences for children, young people and families.

The announcement follows the success of MakerWorld and the MakerWorld Gallery, which transformed an empty retail unit in Huddersfield town centre into a vibrant cultural hub. Over the course of a year, the space welcomed more than 14,000 visits and delivered a wide-ranging programme, including immersive exhibitions, artist residencies, youth-led activity, workshops and participatory installations.

The programme enabled children and young people to actively shape and contribute to cultural activities. Highlights included eight exhibitions created by or for young people; a creative youth club and skatepark; tailored sessions for SEN groups; a young producers programme in partnership with Chol Theatre; and a dedicated teen takeover week.

The impact has been significant, with 72% of visiting families citing MakerWorld as their main reason for coming into Huddersfield town centre.

Alongside the summer reopening, the popular Little Makers sessions will return to Huddersfield in September, running on Fridays from 10am to 12pm in collaboration with Musica Kirklees.

Following strong community support, including a membership-funded workshop that enabled families to take part in the Holmfirth Arts Festival parade earlier this year, MakerWorld is now preparing to launch a new fundraising campaign to secure the future of the Huddersfield space for at least another year while longer-term funding is developed.

“Securing this funding means we can keep MakerWorld open for the months ahead, but what it really highlights is the need for long-term investment in creative spaces for children and young people,” said Chloe Williams, MakerWorld director. “The impact we’ve seen over the past year shows how vital this kind of provision is, not just culturally but for the wider town centre. To really build on that momentum, we need sustained support that allows us to plan ahead, grow the programme and continue offering free, accessible opportunities for every child to create, experiment and feel part of something.”

For more information, visit www.thechildrensartschool.co.uk or contact hello@thechildrensartschool.co.uk.
About The Children’s Art School

The Children’s Art School is a charitable organisation committed to promoting the value of art education for children and young people, with the aim of teaching children that through art, they can change their world.
The Children’s Art School brings extraordinary, hands-on, creative opportunities to children and young people aged 2-18 across Kirklees and beyond, unlocking their creativity, celebrating their individuality, building confidence and igniting their interest in the arts.
Founded in 2015 by artist Chloe Williams, The Children’s Art School works with associate artists to make art and creative activities accessible to all. It creates opportunities for joyful artmaking in various locations, helping children become inspired and develop self-confidence in their own creativity and abilities and empowering them to affect and change the world they live in. The charity has also developed the MakerWorld spaces in Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres.
https://thechildrensartschool.co.uk