As Yorkshire Adoption Agency marks an incredible 80 years of supporting children and families, we’re delighted to unveil a very special collaborative art installation that celebrates the heart of our adoption community.
Created in partnership with the Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF), “It Takes a Village…” will be on display at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster from 24 July to 19 September 2026, alongside the prestigious Yorkshire-wide Emerging Artists Exhibition.
The installation is a celebration of connection, belonging and the many people who play a part in supporting adoption.
Featuring interlocking prints, a miniature village and an immersive soundscape, the artwork tells the story of the Yorkshire Adoption Agency community through the voices, creativity and experiences of those who helped create it.
The project began following a chance meeting between Yorkshire Adoption Agency and the Scott Creative Arts Foundation at a Doncaster Chamber of Commerce networking event.
Through this new partnership, we were introduced to artist Layla Jabbari, a finalist in the previous year’s Emerging Artists Awards, who worked with children, young people, adopters, staff, trustees and supporters to bring the vision to life.
Everyone was encouraged to contribute. Our young people’s group created miniature printed cardboard houses, children designed their own unique prints and participants of all ages shared ideas and stories that became part of the final installation.
Working alongside Layla, SCAF’s Lydia Poole also helped create a soundscape capturing the voices of those involved, adding another dimension to the exhibition experience.
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 the Scott Creative Arts Foundation, added:
“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.”
As we celebrate eight decades of finding loving families for children, this artwork reflects a simple but powerful message: no one raises a child alone.
Behind every adoption is a network of people offering care, encouragement and support, helping children and families thrive.
We are incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to this project and grateful to the Scott Creative Arts Foundation for helping bring our vision to life.
Visit the Exhibition
📍 Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Doncaster, DN1 3BZ
📅 24 July to 19 September 2026
🎟️ Free admission
We hope you’ll visit and experience “It Takes a Village…” for yourself.