Local charity Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University (HEYCU) has partnered with Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery for an exciting landmark art exhibition to celebrate its 30th Anniversary.
The exhibition will celebrate three decades of impact through a collection of artwork and archive material from local children, past beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, partners, supporters and trustees. The artwork has been created through bespoke workshops throughout the year, facilitated by Artlink Hull and local artists, bringing together the voices and experiences of those who have been part of the HEY Children’s University journey.
Following a VIP launch on 24th September 2026, the exhibition will open to the public and run until 5th December 2026, giving the wider community the opportunity to look back over 30 years of HEYCU, celebrate the people who helped shape its story and experience the powerful visual celebration of learning, creativity, opportunity and community engagement.
A particularly exciting element of the exhibition is the involvement of HEY Children’s University’s Children’s Board of Trustees. Representatives from primary schools across the city have been given the role of exhibition curator, leading on difference aspects of the planning and delivery of the exhibition. Providing the children with valuable hands-on experience, while ensuring that the exhibition reflects the impact it has had on children and young people across Hull and East Yorkshire.
The exhibition also marks a first for Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery – HEY Children’s University will become the first charity to take over the gallery, putting young people at the heart of the exhibition and giving them the opportunity to showcase their experiences and perspectives.
The collaboration marks the beginning of a wider initiative from Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery to develop partnerships with flagship charities across the city, opening its creative platform to showcase community stories, experiences and voices in new and engaging 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.
The exhibition launches on Thursday 24th September and runs until 5th December at 87 Gallery, Princes Avenue, Hull, HU5 3QP. Opening times are Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am – 4:30pm.