By KLTV Newsdesk –

New support ensures popular family arts programme will run through to Christmas

MakerWorld has announced it has secured new funding that will allow its popular creative spaces in Huddersfield and Dewsbury to remain open from 25 July until almost Christmas.

The funding provides a significant boost for the community arts initiative, which has become a popular destination for children, young people and families since its launch.

Funding keeps creative spaces open

The latest support comes from the Cultural Heart Fund, Kirklees Council, the Healthy Food and Activities Programme, and One Community Foundation.

Thanks to the funding, MakerWorld Huddersfield will continue operating from the Packhorse Centre, while MakerWorld Dewsbury will remain based at the Princess of Wales Precinct.

The organisation has also confirmed the return of its popular Little Makers sessions in Huddersfield from September. Delivered in partnership with Musica Kirklees, the weekly sessions will take place every Friday between 10 am and 12 noon.

Details on all three sessions can be found on the posters below and on the MakerWorld website.

Celebrating the impact of MakerWorld Gallery

Alongside the funding announcement, MakerWorld has reflected on the success of the MakerWorld Gallery, which transformed an empty retail unit in Huddersfield town centre into a vibrant cultural venue for children, young people and families.

Over the course of a year, the gallery hosted an ambitious programme featuring immersive exhibitions, artist residencies, creative workshops, youth activities and interactive installations designed to encourage young people to create, experiment, perform and share their ideas.

Rather than simply visiting exhibitions, children and young people were encouraged to become active participants in shaping the creative programme.

During the year, the gallery presented:

• Eight exhibitions created by or for children and young people.
• A creative youth club and indoor skatepark.
• Tailored exhibition visits for groups from local special educational needs (SEN) schools and colleges.
• Artist residencies.
• A Young Producers programme delivered with Chol Theatre.
• A Teen Takeover Week.

An impact report detailing the project’s achievements has also been published.

Community support making a difference

MakerWorld has thanked supporters who joined its membership scheme, highlighting the important role membership has already played in funding activities.

Membership contributions enabled families to take part in the Holmfirth Arts Festival parade during a special session held on 30 May.

The organisation is continuing to encourage new supporters to join the membership scheme to help sustain future activities. More details can be found on their website.

Fundraising campaign planned for Huddersfield venue

While the latest funding secures the programme until the end of the year, MakerWorld is now preparing to launch a fundraising campaign aimed at keeping its Huddersfield venue open for at least another 12 months while longer-term funding and income streams are developed.

Since opening in 2023, MakerWorld has welcomed 14,433 visits from children and families.

According to the organisation, 72 per cent of visitors say MakerWorld is their main reason for visiting Huddersfield town centre, underlining its growing importance to both the local community and the town centre economy.

Supporters are being encouraged to help spread the word when the fundraising campaign launches.

Children’s Art School continues in Holmfirth

Away from MakerWorld, the organisation’s Children’s Art School in Holmfirth will continue running its weekly term-time creative clubs, with sessions resuming in September.

Classes are available for a range of age groups, including junior, intermediate and senior pupils, alongside dedicated evening drawing sessions for teenagers aged 14 to 18.

Email hello@thechildrensartschool.co.uk to sign up.

Supporting schools across Kirklees

In addition to its public activities, MakerWorld also delivers creative workshops for schools, either at its venues or on school sites, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) sessions for teachers.

Schools interested in taking part are encouraged to contact the organisation to find out more.

As MakerWorld looks ahead to the next stage of its journey, the organisation has thanked its supporters for helping it grow into one of Kirklees’ most popular creative community projects, while inviting local residents to continue supporting its work in the months ahead.