An art exhibition entirely founded and run by children is open at Spark York this week.
After a city-wide callout for artwork from young creators aged 5 to 11, YorKAOS (York Kids Art Open Studios) has opened today (Tuesday) for a week-long exhibition to showcase their work and raise money for charity.
It was founded in 2024 by 10-year-old York student Ada Jobling, and born from a simple question: ‘Why isn’t there an art exhibition for kids my age?’
The free exhibition runs from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 February.
After proving in their inaugural exhibition last year that children could lead a major social enterprise by raising £1,800 for charity and exhibiting over 220 artists work from 40 primary schools, Ada returned for the 2026 edition with a new team consisting of fellow 10-year-olds Seth, Ellie, and Olive.
Ada and Olive joined YorkMix‘s Laura and Leigh on the Breakfast Show last week to talk about all about YorKAOS. You can watch their interview here.
The artworks on display are all created by a primary-aged child in York, and ranges from paintings to drawings to collages and more.
And visitors can also buy the original artwork on display! All the artwork which has a green sticker is for sale, and operates on a ‘pay as you feel’ system with a minimum payment of £10.
Your artwork can then be picked up either Saturday 21 February from 10am till 6pm, or Sunday 22 February from 10am to 1pm.
Proceeds from the exhibition will be supporting five local charities: St. Leonard’s Hospice, The Snappy Trust, The Island, YorMind, and Explore York Libraries.
Halfway through its opening day (Tuesday), the exhibition has already raised over £500.
Throughout the week, daily creative workshops led by professional artists Stephen Hodgkin, Lincoln Lightfoot, and Emily Sutton will take place for children.
Take a look at some of the amazing work on display in our gallery below and make sure to visit Spark York this week for a free and fabulous exhibition raising money for incredible causes.
Find out more about YorKAOS at their website here.
Gallery
