Powered by Smiles celebrates three decades of impact through a collection of artwork and archival material from local children, past beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, partners, supporters and trustees of Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University. The artwork has been produced through bespoke workshops across the course of a year, facilitated by Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery and eight local artists, bringing together the voices and experiences of those who have been part of the HEY Children’s University journey with a diverse range of techniques and processes.

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 co-curators, leading on different 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. 

HEY Children’s University is the first charity to take over 87 Gallery, putting young people at the heart of the exhibition and giving them the opportunity to showcase their experiences and perspectives. This 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.

‘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.’ - Lindsey Alvis, CEO, Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery

‘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.’ - Rose James, CEO, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University