Shallow Gallery Opens at centre:mk to Champion Milton Keynes Artists

You know that feeling when you’re walking through centre:mk, ticking off your to-do list, and suddenly something stops you in your tracks? That’s exactly what The Shallow Gallery is designed to do.

Tucked to the left of the Field Walk entrance (Door 13), next to Next, this brand-new exhibition space is quietly – but confidently – changing the face of public art in Milton Keynes. Open 24/7 and completely free, it’s a gallery that meets you where you are. No tickets. No closing times. Just art, right there in your everyday world.

The Shallow Gallery isn’t just another white wall with frames. It’s a dynamic public art platform dedicated to showcasing contemporary artists while breathing fresh life into a unique urban space. Right in the heart of the city.

By supporting new and emerging creatives, the space strengthens Milton Keynes’ already vibrant arts scene (which, let’s be honest, is quietly brilliant). Presented by Arts Central Studios and curated by Rookie Services, the gallery celebrates both bold ideas and the local talent behind them.

Opening the series is An Extension of the Paranormal by Milton Keynes-based artist Joss Whittle, on display until 15 February.

Using recycled cardboard, Whittle reimagines classic and often forgotten artworks, transforming them into striking contemporary pieces. The result? Visual poetry that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The past meets the present – and it works beautifully.

It’s the first in a rolling programme of exhibitions, with artists set to take over the space back-to-back. Each new showcase will bring a different voice, a different story, and a different perspective to centre:mk’s visitors.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to host a new gallery space at centre:mk, to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work in such a central location in the city. We work with the artistic community across a number of projects already, from our ongoing sponsorship of MK International Festival to the busking programme running at the centre. The Shallow Gallery is yet another space that gives everybody the opportunity to enjoy art outside of a traditional gallery, making it accessible for everyone, showing how Milton Keynes is an interesting and vibrant place to visit.”

And that’s the heart of it. Art without intimidation. Art without opening hours. Art that fits around you.

Whether you’re heading in for a coffee, racing to grab a birthday present, or simply passing through, The Shallow Gallery invites you to pause. To look up. To notice.

Because sometimes the most powerful creative experiences happen when you least expect them.

To find out more about current and upcoming exhibitions, visit centremk.com — and next time you’re at Door 13, take a moment. You might just discover your new favourite artist.