Following the success of its debut, YorKAOS (York Kids Art Open Studios) is officially returning for 2026.
The city-wide art exhibition – entirely founded and run by children – is inviting all young creators aged 5 to 11 to showcase their work at SPARK York during the February half-term.
Founded in 2024 by 10-year-old York student Ada Jobling, YorKAOS was born from a simple question: ‘Why isn’t there an art exhibition for kids my age?’
After proving that children could lead a major social enterprise by raising £1,800 for charity last year and exhibiting over 220 artists work from 40 primary schools, Ada has returned with a new team consisting of fellow 10-year-olds Seth, Ellie, and Olive.
YorKAOS is unique because it isn’t a competition – there is no theme and no judging. Whether it is a traditional painting, a detailed drawing, a digital masterpiece, or a Lego stop-motion video, every piece of art created by a primary-aged child in York and its surrounding villages is welcome.
“I’m less nervous this year,” says founder Ada Jobling. “Ellie and Olive have brought so much energy to the team.
“They’ve helped choose new charities and connect us with amazing new people. We want every child in York to feel like they can be an artist.”
Here’s how to get involved:
- Create: Make anything up to A3 size.
- Register: Visit www.yorkaos.art/register to sign up and receive a unique entry number.
- Drop-off: Take the finished artwork to one of six Explore York Libraries (City Centre, Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall, Dringhouses, or Haxby & Wigginton) by Sunday 15 February 2026.
The free exhibition will run from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 February at SPARK York. The event is set to kick off with a grand opening at 11am on the Tuesday.
Throughout the week, children can attend daily creative workshops led by professional artists, including Stephen Hodgkin, Lincoln Lightfoot, and Emily Sutton.
Visitors can also buy the original artwork on display for a fixed price of £10, with proceeds supporting five local charities: St. Leonard’s Hospice, The Snappy Trust, The Island, YorMind, and Explore York Libraries.
For more information, to register artwork, or to book a workshop, visit the YorKAOS website.
