We Want to See Your Art!
From 26 February – 9 March 2025 Kettle’s Yard will host an exciting exhibition of art created by you! If you are aged 4 -21 years, and living or studying in the boundaries of Cambridge City, this is an opportunity to create artwork and see it displayed at Kettle’s Yard.
Children and young people in Cambridge: we invite you to paint what matters to you today! Whatever that may be, and in any artistic style or medium, from local to global issues; from your home to our shared planet; from love for families, friends and communities to concern for nature, animals and the environment. We want your artworks to show us what matters to you and to fill our gallery walls.
The open call out runs from Monday 14 October 2024 – Monday 27 January 2025. The open call for schools runs from Monday 14 October – Friday 20 December 2024.
We would encourage you to submit your entries as soon as possible, as spots will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Read on to find out how you (or your children) can get involved.

Get Involved
What is ‘Paint What Matters!’ ?
Paint What Matters! will be a unique exhibition at Kettle’s Yard celebrating the talent and creativity of children and young people in Cambridge. The exhibition will run from 26 February – 9 March 2025.
Paint What Matters! will display all your fantastic submissions across the two main gallery spaces of Kettle’s Yard, as well as the walls between the gallery spaces. Each artwork will be fixed to the gallery walls within a huge grid, so we can display as many artworks as possible. We think it will look spectacular!
Who can take part?
Children and young people aged 4 – 21 years old living and/or attending school or college within the Cambridge City Council wards. For children and young people under the age of 18, work will need to be submitted with the help and permission of their parents or guardians.
Schools with pupils aged 4 – 21 years old within the Cambridge City Council wards can also apply with a selection of entries.
Read our guidelines for schools here
Check out our helpful Self Care Guide for Paint What Matters!, full of ways to find advice and support to take care of yourself whilst thinking about what matters to you.
Download the Self Care Guide here
How do I take part?
Keen to participate? Read our guidelines and FAQs above first – make especially sure to check our size and material requirements. Then have fun creating your artworks!
Once you’ve made your artworks, complete our online entry form below.
When you receive confirmation that we will display your artwork, we’ll ask you to hand in or deliver your art to Kettle’s Yard. The exhibition will be open from 26 February to 9 March 2025 – be sure to keep these dates free, and you can come and see your artwork on display at Kettle’s Yard.
So, young people, get thinking, creating and show us what matters to you today!

Open Call Out Entry Form
Read our guidelines and created your artwork? Complete our entry form to submit your entry.
The open call out runs from Monday 14 October 2024 – Monday 27 January 2025.

Schools' Entry Form
Read our guidelines and created your artwork with your pupils? Complete our entry form for schools to submit your school’s entry.
The open call for schools runs from Monday 14 October – Friday 20 December 2024.