10.06.25

Renaissance Legal Hosts Artwork Exhibition 2025 – A Celebration of SEND Talent

The team at Renaissance Legal proudly hosted its 2025 Artwork Exhibition this past weekend at Projects Nile House in Brighton, celebrating the extraordinary creativity of children and young adults with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND). Held as part of the firm’s 15th anniversary, the event brought together more than 100 attendees including families, carers, charities, arts organisations and educators from across the region.

The exhibition showcased an inspiring collection of artworks under the theme “What I Love to Do,” giving young artists aged 4 to 25 a platform to express their passions, from family time to hobbies and future aspirations.

Brighton, with its inclusive community, rich arts culture and deep commitment to diversity, provided the perfect setting to honour and celebrate SEND talent in a meaningful and joyful way.

The standard of entries was exceptional, with such a wide range of creative styles and heartfelt interpretations, that selecting winners proved incredibly difficult. The expert panel of judges spent considerable time reviewing all the submissions, which featured everything from imaginative computer games and nature trails to portraits of time with grandparents and the joy of experiencing nail salons.

Our distinguished panel of judges, included:

• Julia Donaldson – Bestselling author and former Children’s Laureate
• Ciara Lawrence – Learning disability campaigner and podcaster
• Patricia Finnegan – Artist Development Lead at Project Art Works
• Baroness Browning – Vice President of the National Autistic Society
• Angela Pell – Acclaimed screenwriter and co-author of A Normal Family
• Philip Warford – Managing Director of Renaissance Legal

Congratulations to the winners

Prizes were awarded to gold, silver and bronze winning pieces in each age category. This year’s gold winners were announced as:

• Ages 4–8: Rowan Cranston
• Ages 9–13: Poppy Laycock
• Ages 14–18: Arthur Leung
• Ages 19–25: Jolie Marshall
• Overall Competition Winner: Jolie Marshall

Speaking at the exhibition, Philip Warford, Managing Director of Renaissance Legal, said:

“We’ve always been passionate about celebrating the exceptional lives of families with disabled and vulnerable children, and we’re thrilled to have hosted this exhibition as part of our 15-year anniversary celebrations. The creativity and joy displayed in these artworks are truly inspiring, and it’s been an honour to share this moment with so many wonderful families, carers, and supporters of the SEND community.”

The Renaissance Legal Artwork Exhibition 2025 served not only as a showcase of individual expression, but also as a powerful reminder of the value in providing inclusive opportunities for young people to be seen, heard and celebrated.

One parent said:

“I just wanted to thank you and all of your team for the marvellous exhibition you put on for all our talented, creative and very special children. We all loved seeing the incredible artwork and our daughter was so proud and happy to see her artwork displayed, especially with all the lovely comments she received about her drawing. She finds the world a scary place and will hardly leave the house but to see her face and how happy she was on Saturday really means a lot to us.”

For more details about the competition please contact Laura Hull.