YorKAOS

I went to YorKAOS, York Kids Open Studio, last year. Ada, the 9 year old organiser, had asked her family if she could enter York Open Studios. The answer was “NO” you have to be 18. Thinking that was very unfair Ada went on to create Kids Open Studio.

 My grandaughter sent her artwork in. As a devoted grandparent and family, we  needed to secretly buy Tallula’s exhibited “Work of Art”….BUT IT WAS ALREADY SOLD! It was a fabulous exhibition, all run by kids.

When I saw the advert, YorKAOS 2, I hoped the Youth Team could help fund the project.

York Rotary were welcomed with open arms and invited to help each day of the February half term 2026. The register to volunteer form, even had a York Rotary select button! The project encourages over 200 children age 5 to 11 to make and exhibit a “work of art” that can be sold for charity.

Today, the project leader, 10 year old Ada gave a full 20 minute presentation. What a star she is. Ada and her team started marketing the 2026 project on BBC Radio York, inviting all York children to prepare and sent their art work to Library collection points all over York. All Primary schools were notified and 260 pieces of art were collected.

Ada negotiated free exhibition space at York Spark, and used our funding to mount and label  each piece ready for sale. Art workshops were arranged for each afternoon session and the YorKAOS team raised £2,150 for local charities.

It is fabulous to support children in this way, and in the vote of thanks, we promised to help again next year. Well done YorKAOS

Jane Albon, Youth Services