Colours of Us: MBL’s Children’s Art Exhibition Concludes with Hope and Inspiration
Between 13th and 21st of September 2025, the historic St Martin-in-the-Fields in London was transformed into a gallery alive with colour and imagination. Visitors paused thoughtfully in front of 85 vibrant paintings, 33 of which were created by children with special needs from around the world. Their brushstrokes — innocent yet sincere — spoke of inclusion, dreams, and love. This was the essence of “Colours of Us”, a children’s art exhibition hosted by The Mothers’ Bridge of Love (MBL), and it left an indelible mark on all who attended.
85 Dreams, 85 Worlds
As part of MBL’s “Children’s Culture” series, “Colours of Us” was presented in partnership with the Open House Festival. Bringing together original works from 85 young artists across the globe, the exhibition built bridges between imagination and reality, heart and canvas.
“I was deeply moved by the dazzling worlds revealed through these different perspectives,” one visitor reflected. More than half of the artworks were collected during the exhibition—not only as appreciation of art but also as tributes to resilience. Each purchase was a quiet act of encouragement, affirming the children’s wish to be seen.
A Special Light from Nanjing
Among the many remarkable contributions, the work of Pin Fang, a signed artist at Nanjing’s “Outsider Studio,” drew particular attention. Founded by renowned artist Guo Haiping, the studio is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the artistic gifts of people with special needs. In a video message, Pin Fang’s mother shared what painting means for their family: “Through his art, we are able to glimpse the landscape of his inner world.”
Their story reflects the reality of countless families of children with special needs — the unseen struggles, the steadfast companionship, and the quiet triumph of being tenderly recognised by the world.
A Collective Effort
The exhibition’s success was the result of many hands and hearts working together. MBL expressed gratitude to its partner, the Open House Festival, whose support in venue, promotion, and curation made the event possible.
An advisory team added both depth and vision: world-renowned artist Qu Leilei, former V&A Deputy Director Beth McKillop, painter and children’s art educator Caroline Deane, former CCTV art writer Diya Wen, and Open House Festival Director Celia Mead. Each brought their expertise and their commitment to nurturing children’s artistic dreams.
Warm Encounters, Lasting Memories
The presence of internationally acclaimed artist Huaicun Zhang added warmth and encouragement to the exhibition. Community stories also gave it life and depth: London-based twin sisters Pinkie and Ann, born in Beijing and living with hearing loss, have each forged their own paths in accounting and art; local art educator Ms Gao shared how she guides her students to express care and responsibility through painting.
Volunteers behind the Scenes
Every highlight was made possible by MBL’s dedicated volunteers. As volunteer representative Katie Zheng, a solicitor qualified in both Hong Kong and the UK, put it: “Each volunteer contributes in their own way to the power of public good, walking alongside the children supported by MBL.”
Crossing Borders, Painting Rainbows
Support also came from organisations across the UK, France, and China, including Insight Art Studio (UK), Lin Rong Art Associate (France), Trilingual Baby (France), Silk Road Chinese Cultural Associate (France), Ark of Love Special Education School (Guangxi, China), Jincheng Special Education School (Shanxi, China), Stars and Rain Special Education School (Beijing, China), and Outsider Art Studio (Nanjing, China). Their involvement turned the exhibition into a true cross-border dialogue, proving that the language of beauty needs no translation.
Looking Ahead
“Colours of Us” was more than an exhibition. It was a social initiative about inclusion and hope. It celebrated the beauty of diversity and the strength that grows from community.
As one mother of a child with special needs said, “I once thought the world would never make space for my child. Today, I see the stage that has been built for them.”
Looking forward, MBL will continue to use art as a bridge, helping children and young people with special needs to be seen, understood, and cherished. For every child deserves to paint their own rainbow across the canvas of life.