Who are we?

The SP8 of the Art Foundation has been established in order to fulfil two aims:

To seek out future artistic skills and talent in children aged between 4 and 18, in all its various forms including portraiture, landscape, fashion design, architecture, graphic design, sculpture and modern art.

To promote and encourage the involvement of all young people in art (as defined above) as a means of self expression; contributing to personal and community development.

How will we achieve this?

The Foundation is administered from Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire in the heart of England, but through Regional Coordinators covers all areas of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Regional Coordinators, responsive to the specific needs of their region, coordinate teams of volunteers and initiate and implement projects; in partnership with schools, councils, voluntary and private organisations.

More information on our Regional Coordinators and contact with them can be made via the 'Foundation' page.

You can also find out how you can get involved with the Foundation as a Regional Coordinator and download a volunteer application form via our Get Involved page.

What sort of projects do we do?

We seek to explore a variety of ways to encourage children to get involved in artistic pursuits. Such projects include: producing resource art packs for use at after school clubs, setting up and running art workshops for children of all ages (utilising - where appropriate - the skills of professional artists); encouraging children’s art skills by promoting and exhibiting children’s art work in public areas; working with art galleries to develop their ‘child friendliness’, among others.

Regional and National competitions will also be set up to find the ‘Young Artist of the Year’ with the aim of scholarships being awarded to the successful.

Who are we working with?

SP8 of the Art welcomes children throughout the UK and from every section of society. SP8 of the Art is developing special relationships with:

Local Schools

Local Communities

Education Authorities throughout the UK

Charities both local and national such as Muscular Dystrophy (supporting their Young Pavement Artist Competition) - see 'about Mark' for more information.

The Greater London Authority - supporting Mayor Boris Johnson's Children's Art Week Private and Corporate Enterprises including individual McDonald restaurant franchisees, to name but a few.

We are also developing a team of specialist creatives/tutors who through the website can be contacted for information and advice on their area of expertise.

How can I find out more?

Mark always encouraged young artists and it is hoped that this Foundation will be his legacy.