December 3, 2024Help us inspire more young people this Christmas

Three portraits of Summer School participants holding their artworks.
Artichoke Summer School 2024. Photos by Rob Hill.

Today is Giving Tuesday and the launch of The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s largest match funding campaign

We are thrilled once again to be part of this nationwide initiative. Now we need your support to help us raise £10,000 in just seven days.

Artichoke’s mission has always been to make extraordinary art accessible to all. But, did you know that we also produce unique creative workshops and training schemes? Since 2006, over 100,000 people across the UK have taken part in our Learning & Participation programmes, including young people and schoolchildren. Inspiring future generations by encouraging them to explore their imagination is key to what we do.

Now, we are raising money for the third year of the Summer School in Tower Hamlets. Your support will enable local young people from low-income families to take part in a free week-long programme of creative workshops during the school holidays in August 2025. 

The Big Give Christmas Challenge

ONE DONATION, TWICE THE IMPACT

Thanks to our Champion Funder The Childhood Trust, and Pledge Funder Aldgate Connect BID, all donations made during the week will be matched. This means that every £1 donated over the next seven days will be doubled, making your support go even further.

Your contribution, no matter what size, will have a meaningful impact on our work. Can you help us reach our goal of £10,000?

For a lot of us, art isn't accessible. I'm a self-taught artist and everything I've learnt is via facilitating - going to summer programmes like these when I was growing up in Egypt really changed the course of my life.

~ Tasnim Mahdy, Lead Facilitator ~
Two young participants share a joyful moment as they practice rap writing, holding microphones and smiling in a bright classroom. Creative artwork and personal items adorn the table and walls, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Rap writing with Jasmine Khalia. Summer School 2024. Photo by Beth King

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Thanks to everyone who donated to our 2023 Christmas Challenge, this year’s Summer School was a huge success, filled with creativity, laughter and new friendships. 

Young people from low-income backgrounds had the opportunity to try a variety of new and exciting activities, including:

  • Rap writing with Jasmine Khalia
  • Learning circus skills at the National Centre for Circus Arts
  • Hands-on clay animation workshops
  • A visit to the Whitechapel Gallery
  • Creating cyanotypes with Tasnim Mahdy

These activities weren’t just fun; they were vital in helping these young people stay engaged in the arts, develop important creative and social skills, and work together as a team.

I've learnt so much this week! Circus skills was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I've never really done clubs before and it was a really cool experience for me.

~ Amelia, Workshop Summer School Attendee ~

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Your support will enable local young people from low-income families to discover their creativity. Please consider donating to us from today until 12:00 midday, Tuesday 10 December to help us reach our £10,000 target.

Any donation, small or large, will make a difference. If you have any questions about The Big Give or if you would like to talk to us before deciding whether to make a donation, please contact: development@artichoke.uk.com.

DONATE NOW

Logos of The Big Give Christmas Challenge, Aldgate Connect and The Childhood Trust