The SP8 of the Art Foundation has been established to commemorate the brief life of Mark Speight, highly popular children’s television presenter of such programmes as BBC’s SMart and SMarteenies.  Mark was passionate about encouraging children’s artistic potential and so the Foundation (set up by his father Oliver) seeks to continue his legacy by fulfilling 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.

The Foundation is administered from Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire.  Regional Co-ordinators all over the UK are responsive to the specific needs of their region, co-ordinate teams of volunteers and initiate and implement projects in partnership with schools, councils, voluntary and private organisations.

The Foundation is developing a range of arts and health work, including a national ‘Prize your Eyes’ competition to help in the prevention of eye injuries for children, which was dreamed up by Professor Peter Shah, a leading Ophthalmic surgeon in the West Midlands. This is being promoted via the NHS and Local Education Authorities. They are also keen to bring artistic and cultural experience to children’s wards in hospitals, beginning in the West Midlands, as Mark was Junior President of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and worked with Guys Hospital and the Brain and Spine Foundation.. 

SP8 of the Art explores a variety of ways to encourage children to get involved in artistic pursuits, including resource art packs for after school clubs; setting up and running art workshops for children of all ages; promoting and exhibiting children’s art work in public areas; and working with art galleries to develop their ‘child friendliness’. 

It is developing a team of specialist creatives/tutors who can be contacted for information and advice on their area of expertise, as well as a ‘how to’ resource for children, assisting them in developing their artistic skills in various areas.

To date the Foundation has brought artistic, cultural and theatrical awareness to 3,000 children, parents and teachers.  It is seeking Government support and private sponsorship to ultimately target some 30,000 children.

The website provides more detail on the Foundation’s work and is kept up to date with developments and activities in the regions.  Or you can contact the Foundation on 01782 612333, email admin@sp8foundation.org.uk