KEEPS is an initiative with some broad guidelines, as well as some specific requirements.
The idea of KEEPS is to spend time with children from all around the world and learn from them, and have them paint what represents the most important thing in their lives. This could be almost anything.

To achieve this, KEEPS has a system that includes some broad guidelines so that all the art and information, photos and other items that are returned to KEEPS are standard, while enabling each project to be carried out however the participant should choose, so long as it is appropriate.

People can get involved in KEEPS in a number of ways. Either KEEPS will send you a package to enable you to do the exhibition yourself, or you can sponsor the materials so that another group of children somewhere around the world can participate, or you can source the materials yourself in line with the specifications detailed in the ‘get involved’ section of the website.

Once you have identified where you would like to do KEEPS, arranged the project with them and us and have your materials, you are ready to get started. On the day each child will create a painting on canvas, facilitated by the participant. Approximately half a day will be spent with the children, playing games to build up a friendship and trust, then teaching them how to mix the paints, use the brushes, and finally allowing them to let their imaginations go.

Each child will also be given the opportunity to write down something about themselves, their family, friends, loves, hopes or fears. Together with the artwork and the child’s photograph, this will form the core contribution of each child. Each participant also writes a page or two about the project, how the children live, and generally reflect however they wish.

Tne goal of the project is that KEEPS exhibit this art at various locations and times, with any proceeds raised from the exhibitions or the sales of associated merchandise being put back into the project and distributed to appropriate children’s organisations. Mostly though, the goal is just to see what children around the world view as important to them. Is it the same themes that are important, or is it different depending on country, socioeconomic status, sex, or otherwise.