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Barking & Dagenham Schools Celebration Exhibition 2026

Tuesday 20th October 2026 – Monday 26th October 2026 , 9:00am to 5:00pm

Please join us for a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination and artistic achievement at the Barking & Dagenham Consortium Celebration Exhibition 2026.

Child's hand moving a plasticine caveman in front of a collaged foliage backdrop as part of a stop-motion film set
James Cambell Primary School stop-motion animation project with Reza Ben Gajra
Southwood Primary School punch needle textile project with Tyreis Holder

This inspiring exhibition showcases outstanding artwork created by students from Southwood Primary School and James Cambell Primary School, thoughtfully curated by Liane Harris.

Throughout the academic year, students collaborated with artists Tyreis Holder, Martin Asiamah, Carlos Cortez, Reza Ben Gajra, Sepanta Aleahmad and Simisola Akande, exploring a wide range of creative disciplines including film, animation, textiles and painting. Their exciting projects brought to life themes ranging from superheroes and ancient Mayan architecture to unexpected friendships, resulting in an extraordinary collection of work that reflects their curiosity, confidence and originality.

We’re delighted that this brilliant exhibition will be presented at Make It Barking, alongside three films created by the students, which will be screened continuously throughout the week. Be sure to watch them and then watch them again and again!

Drop in and discover the incredible talent, creativity and storytelling emerging from these local schools. We look forward to welcoming you to an exhibition that celebrates the power of young people’s imaginations and the impact of creative learning.

This exhibition takes place at Make It Barking, Roycraft House, 15 Linton Road, Barking IG11 8HE 
Timings | 9:00am – 5:00pm

FreeDrop-in

Barking & Dagenham Consortium: Public Programme

To celebrate the achievements of the young people in Barking & Dagenham over the past year, Bow Arts are hosting two free creative workshops for families and young people this half-term. Explore new ways to bring creativity into the everyday guided by our artist educators.

Over the shoulder shot of two children painting with brushes, paint pallet and a container of water

Workshop: Painting the half-term with Martin Asiamah

Saturday 24 October – 10:00 am

Young people are invited to get messy and experiment during the Barking & Dagenham half-term with a painting workshop led by a professional artist.

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Back of a boy's head looking though the viewfinder of a camera taking a picture in a school playground.

Film Screening & Workshop: Unleash your inner superhero with Simi Akande

Saturday 24 October – 1:30 pm

Get inspired by a short screening of films followed by a chance to get hands-on and creative with a professional artist making your own masks and honing your photography skills.

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Drop in for a creative activity

Get drawing at the consortium exhibition

Monday 26th October, 12pm – 3pm

Take inspiration from the brilliant student artworks on display and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of drawing and creativity with the whole family. Experiment with different ideas, develop your own designs and celebrate the joy of making together. 

There’s no need to book, simply drop in and let your imagination lead the way. All materials are provided, just bring your creativity! 

Perfect for families, aspiring young artists and anyone looking for a fun and inspiring creative activity this half term. 

Free drop-in
Open to all ages

Getting Here

Make It Barking
Roycraft House, 15 Linton Road, Barking IG11 8HE

Telephone: 020 3745 1565

Transport Information

Underground: Barking Station (District and Hammersmith & City lines) approximately 0.3 miles away
London Overground: Suffragette line
Buses: 5 / 62 / 169 / 238 / 287 / 366 / 368
Santander Cycle: Stainsby Road docking station

Parking
Street parking is available to Tower Hamlets Resident Permit holders, between the hours of 5.30pm and 8.30am, Monday to Friday.

Access Information
Make It Barking has step-free access and lift access throughout the building.

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