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Young Creatives Exhibition Spring 2026: CHANGE

The Young Creatives Exhibition – Spring 2026 invites children and young people aged 5–18 to explore the theme of CHANGE through art, imagination, and self-expression.

CHANGE can mean many things.

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It might be about:

• Growing up

• Shifting emotions

• New beginnings or endings

• Changes in nature and the seasons

• Transformation, evolution, and discovery

• Personal journeys, identity, or perspective

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Young people are encouraged to respond to the theme in their own way, using any materials or creative approach they choose.

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This is an open call exhibition, welcoming submissions from across Watford and Hertfordshire. All abilities, styles, and experience levels are celebrated.

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What CHANGE Means for This Exhibition

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Change in Nature

• Seasons, weather, growth, decay

• Animals, plants, landscapes

• Environmental change and sustainability

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Change in Life

• Feelings, friendships, family

• Starting something new

• Overcoming challenges

• Identity and self-expression

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Change Through Evolution & Imagination

• Transformation and movement

• Fantasy, surrealism, and abstract ideas

• How things might change in the future

There is no right or wrong interpretation — creativity, honesty, and imagination are what matter most.

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What Can Be Submitted 

We welcome creative responses to the theme CHANGE, including:

• Drawing & painting

• Mixed media & collage​

• Digital artwork

• Experimental, abstract, or imaginative pieces

Work can be bold, quiet, playful, thoughtful, messy, detailed, or simple.

If it reflects change in any way — it belongs here.

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Exhibition Process 

• All submissions are carefully considered

• Due to limited physical space, selected artworks will be displayed at Burston

• Every submitted artwork will be included through:

  • A rolling digital showreel during the exhibition

  • A permanent online gallery after the event

This ensures every young person who takes part is seen and valued.

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Why Take Part​

By taking part in CHANGE, young people will:

• Explore personal ideas and experiences creatively

• Reflect on growth, difference, and transformation

• Gain confidence by sharing their work publicly

• Be part of a supportive, non-competitive exhibition

• See their creativity valued in both physical and digital spaces