KEEPS was initiated at the LSE, when a few students decided it would be a fun and interesting project to arrange and be a part of. After some serious fundraising and material sourcing, over Christmas and Easter 2006-2007, 24 students went either home to see their families and friends, or travelling to different parts of the world. This provided the perfect opportunity to spend some time in a local school, refuge or social organisation, learning and painting with the kids. They returned with lots of art, photos, writing, and stories.

The project culminated with an opening gala in May 2007, which was attended by around 150 people. A large projector was set up that played a slide show of all the photographs, and in addition to the permanent exhibition, all of the art was displayed on temporary stands and the kids writing provided the insights and humour to complement the paintings.
On the evening Peter Townsend (Professor of International Social Policy, LSE) addressed the audience. "We must remember, when confronted with the 'dark' paintings of our present world, that there are 'light' paintings as well, signs of hope amongst the many failings. That hope is expressed magically in particular by children when they love and put trust in those around them." Adam Hyde, Director of KEEPS said, "KEEPS is not about money, protest or high profiles, and it is certainly no project of profound social change. It is merely a simple project of questioning and understanding."

The evening was a great success and in addition to raising some money for UNICEF, it hopefully touched many people in some way. It was originally anticipated that the exhibition would be on display for a month, though due to its success, it remained in the LSE’s main atrium for six months.

So that’s how it started. We are looking forward to updating you with the next chapter soon.

KEEPS commenced with the financial support of:
One anonymous supporter, Herbert Smith, DESTIN, LSE Directors Fund, LSE DESTIN and UNICEF Societies.

And was entirely dependent upon the time and energy of:
Mary Kathryn Wyle, Ben French, Jon Beale, Sally Abikhalil, Adam Hyde, and 25 other LSE students. Robert Mcleod (website), Sandy Abikhalil (Logo), Ken Reidy, Jo Beall, Steph Davies, Sue Redgrave, Dru Daley, Anssi Sojakka, Graham Carrick, Hugh Gillan, Paul Mckenna, Nick Shah, and Micol Martini.