Who can take part?

Young artists who are of primary school age, between 5 to 11 years old, and who live or attend a primary school in the York area (postcodes YO1, YO10, YO19, YO23, YO24, YO26, YO30, YO31, YO32 and YO41).

What can I submit to the exhibition?

There is no theme for the exhibition, the aim is to showcase York’s young artists. Check out the gallery for inspiration! We are accepting most types of visual art:

  • painting
  • drawing
  • collage
  • photography (digital or print)
  • video (animated, stop-motion, short)

Your artwork can be any size up to A3 (29.7 x 42 cm)

What will happen to my art?

Artists will be given the choice to put their work up for sale.We will operate a pay-as-you-feel system with a minimum price of £10 per artwork. The money raised will go to the three chosen charities; St. Leonard’s Hospice , BBC Children In Need and Explore York Libraries and Archives.

What are the key dates?

Open Call OutNow! – Saturday 8 February 2025Create your artwork and then register using our online form.
Artwork drop-off weeksSaturday 18 January – Saturday 8 February 2025. Visit one of the four main Explore York libraries at City Centre, Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall and hand in your artwork.
YorKAOS opening eventTuesday 18 February, 11AM-12PM. Opening event with local artist Lincoln Lightfoot
YorKAOS exhibition openTuesday 18 February, 11AM – Saturday 22 February 2025, 1PM. 
YorKAOS finale eventSaturday 22 February, 10AM-12PM. Opening event with children’s book illustrator Emily Sutton
Artwork collection weekendSaturday 22 February, 11AM-1PM & Sunday 23 February 2025, 10AM-1PM. Retrieve your artwork from SPARK:York. Pick up your purchased artwork.

How do I get my art to the exhibition?

YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE YOU SUBMIT! – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bring your art to one of the four main Explore libraries in York until Saturday 8th February. The staff at reception will have a collection wallet. More details on where these libraries are is below:

Don’t forget to register on this website so we have your details to put alongside your art at the exhibition, otherwise it might not be displayed.

How will the artworks be selected for the exhibition?

Our aim is to show as many as possible! However, if we receive more submissions than we are able to exhibit, we will have to make a selection of pieces. If this happens, we will get in touch to let you know.

Disclaimer

YorKAOS is not liable for any artwork that is damaged, lost, stolen or sold in error.