HEY Children’s University and Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery jointly announce a commemorative art exhibition to celebrate HEY Children’s University’s 30th anniversary milestone. The exhibition will celebrate 30 years of impact in the form of artwork and archive material from children, past beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, partners, supporters, and trustees. The artwork will be created in bespoke workshops over the year, facilitated by Artlink Hull and local artists.
Following a VIP launch on the 24 September 2026, the exhibition will open to the public until 3rd October 2026, offering the wider community an opportunity to experience a powerful visual celebration of learning, creativity, and community engagement.
HEY Children’s University has a Children’s Board of Trustees, with representatives from schools across the city. These children have been assigned the role of exhibition curators, leading on different aspects of planning and delivery, gaining hands-on experience while ensuring the exhibition authentically represents the organisation’s journey and achievements.
This exhibition also marks a first – a takeover exhibition at 87 Gallery: HEY Children’s University will be the first charity to take over the Gallery giving children and young people the chance to take the lead. The collaboration signals the beginning of a wider initiative from Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery to work in strategic partnership with flagship charities across Hull opening its creative platform to showcase community stories and voices in new ways.
Rose James, CEO of Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 30 years of HEY Children’s University and doing this through art is the perfect way for our children, supporters and colleagues to express what HEY CU means to them. This exhibition not only reflects the impact our work has on the young people we serve but also demonstrates the power of partnership. Working with Artlink Hull has allowed us to create something truly special that honours our past while inspiring the next generation.”
Lindsey Alvis, CEO of Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery, added:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University for this milestone exhibition. Their commitment to empowering young people aligns perfectly with our mission to make creativity accessible to everyone, no matter their background or circumstance. We prioritise working with partners from across the charity sector because we know that together we can achieve more for the communities we serve.”
The exhibition stands as a testament to the impact that collaboration, creativity, and community spirit can achieve, and organisers hope it will inspire further partnerships across the region.