What happens when care experienced young people are given the creative freedom to tell their own stories? A new emotive exhibition at Carlisle’s Tullie Museum and Art Gallery gives them the space to do just that – using creativity to change perceptions and reclaim their voice.
Open until Sunday 25 January 2026, ‘Re-write the Narrative’ is a deeply moving collection that brings together artwork, poetry, and creative installations that share the lived experiences of young people who have been in care.
Hosted in the Tullie Community Gallery, the exhibition aims to challenge perceptions and rewrite the narrative surrounding care-experienced children, young people, and adults. Visitors will discover a diverse range of works, including oil paintings, collages, creative display boxes, poetry, and photography – each piece telling a deeply personal story.
The project began as a photography initiative but grew into a vibrant, multi-form exhibition. Its purpose is to provide a platform for care-experienced young people to express themselves creatively, raise awareness, and inspire change.
Quotes
Hear from the young people themselves about their work, in their own words:
“There’s been a lot of work put in for this exhibition and it would be great for more people to come and see our pieces and know our stories.”
Allie James, one of the creatives of the exhibition
“I feel like the exhibition has given young people a chance to voice their experience in a creative way.
“It’s really important and good that we have this space to show that.”
Kim, one of the creatives of the exhibition
“Being part of the Re-write the Narrative exhibition in Tullie makes me feel strong. It gives each of us a creative space to tell our stories on being care experienced, which, for me, has shaped a lot of who I am today. It’s given me the chance to tell my story.”
Young care experienced creative
“It’s something I can be proud of.”
Young care experienced creative
Councillor Emma Willliamson, Deputy Leader and Children's Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio Holder, said:
"This exhibition is a powerful reminder that every young person has a story worth hearing. ‘Re-write the Narrative’ gives care-experienced young people the opportunity to express themselves creatively and challenge stereotypes. Be prepared to be moved.
“We are incredibly proud to support this project and encourage everyone to visit and experience these powerful stories told through art."
Jane Wheeler, Assistant Director for Family Help, Partnerships and Youth Justice said:
"Re-write the Narrative is about listening – to our young people and their experiences in their own voice. This exhibition is raw and true – and that honesty is both powerful and deeply moving.
“Through art, they can communicate feelings and experiences that words often cannot capture. This exhibition is not only inspiring – it’s a call to listen and learn, as well as celebrate their talent."
“We encourage visitors to come and experience the exhibition for themselves."
Lindsey Atkinson, Community Engagement Producer at Tullie said:
“We're immensely proud to be hosting the Re-write the Narrative exhibition here at Tullie.
“The young people have worked incredibly hard to develop creative and thoughtful ideas to communicate and express their personal experiences, and have done a superb job at bringing everything together.
“I've really enjoyed getting to know the group who've all got so much to offer and say, and I hope this project will lead to more collaborations and projects that are led by those who've been involved.”