Unique Art Installation at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery to celebrate 80 years of YAA

Description

Yorkshire Adoption Agency is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a special collaborative art installation developed in partnership with the Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF). The installation will be showcased alongside the prestigious Yorkshire-wide Emerging Artists Exhibition at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery from 24 July to 19 September 2026.

Inspired by the theme “It Takes a Village…”, the installation celebrates the strength, diversity and creativity of adoptive families through a captivating collection of interlocking prints, a miniature village and an immersive soundscape of voices. Together, these elements tell the story of the extended YAA community and the importance of connection, belonging and support.

The partnership was born from a chance meeting between YAA and SCAF at a Doncaster Chamber of Commerce charity and business networking event. Recognising a shared passion for community engagement and creativity, SCAF Founder Sue Armstrong introduced us to Layla Jabbari, a finalist in the previous year's Emerging Artists Awards.

Working closely with children, young people, adopters, staff, trustees and supporters, Layla helped bring the vision to life. Participants of all ages contributed artwork and ideas, creating a truly collaborative piece that reflects the rich tapestry of the YAA family. SCAF's Lydia Poole also worked alongside Layla and YAA to create a soundscape capturing the voices and experiences of those involved.

Sue May, Chief Executive Officer of Yorkshire Adoption Agency, said:
"I cannot tell you what fun we had! Everyone got involved – our adopted children and young people, adopters, staff and trustees, and even the Civic Mayor on his last day in office. Our young person's group created tiny printed cardboard houses, our children designed their own prints and everyone embraced the opportunity to get creative. The result is a joyful celebration of community, belonging and the many people who play a part in supporting adoption."

Sue Armstrong, Founder of Scott Creative Arts Foundation, said:
"It was wonderful to join Yorkshire Adoption Agency as they celebrated this remarkable milestone. You could see how much the families enjoyed spending time together. The children had so much fun creating prints, sharing stories and expressing themselves through art. The installation beautifully captures the warmth, resilience and connections within the adoption community."

Celebrating eight decades of supporting children and families across Yorkshire, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience an artwork that highlights the power of community and the belief that every child deserves a place where they belong.

Exhibition Details
What: "It Takes a Village..." Installation and SCAF Emerging Artist Award 2026 Exhibition
Where: Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Doncaster, DN1 3BZ
When: 24 July – 19 September 2026
Admission: Free to visit