EXHIBITION 2025

dot-art Schools Exhibition 2025

dot-art Schools 2025  Exhibition, Walker Art Gallery, 5th June – 6th July 2025

This year’s exhibition was the 13th annual dot-art Schools Exhibition delivered in partnership with Edge Hill University’s Faculty of Education, and the Walker Art Gallery.

Lorraine Partington, Head of Partnership Development said:

“Edge Hill University is proud of our partnership with dot-art, championing the value of arts education and creativity across the region. The standard of work submitted this year has been exceptional, and it’s a joy to see such talent celebrated. Having the winning pieces exhibited at the iconic Walker Art Gallery is a remarkable achievement and a powerful way to inspire the next generation of artists.”

dot-art Schools is incredibly grateful to National Museums Liverpool for once again hosting this exhibition. This marks the fourth time dot-art Schools has displayed winners’ artworks at the Walker including the first exhibition there back in 2014. After showing in several other venues across the city we returned to the iconic Walker Art Gallery in 2023, 2024 and now 2025.

This year’s show featured almost 80 winning artworks from primary, secondary and SEND schools from across Liverpool City Region.  This year the winning exhibits and engagement activity were sited together on the first floor space known as ‘the flat’, rather than being split between there and room 9. This new arrangement gave a coherent feel to the exhibition and meant many more visitors could enjoy the show. 

Beyond the winning works of art, the exhibition also recognised every participating school, valued sponsors and dedicated supporters. Interactive elements included a special screen showcasing each school’s top three shortlisted works which was very popular!

This year’s hands-on experience invited gallery visitors to create their own ‘Selfie Sketch’ portrait, contributing to a collaborative ‘Visitors Mini Gallery’ that grew throughout the exhibition. Visitors were encouraged to look at portraits in the galleries before creating their self-portrait. We were delighted that the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Barbara Murray drew her selfie – sporting her tricorn hat! 

Visitor comments included:

“It’s really nice to see the creativity of children being recognised and celebrated.” 

“Love the concept. Lots of wonderful works and a great opportunity for young artists to express themselves.” 

“Wow! Fantastic exhibition with extremely high standard of original work.” 

“A really inspiring exhibition by talented young artists. Makes me want to create when I get home!” 

“I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for such an amazing (prize giving and exhibition preview) day yesterday.   Our pupils had the most amazing time and the sheer joy I experienced watching them beam with pride at their achievements was beyond words.  Sam, in particular, as our schools’ winner was beside himself and kept repeating all the way home, ‘I can’t believe my work is in a gallery!” 

Paula Morgan, Assistant Head Teacher, Crosby High School 

Who won dot-art Schools 2025?

The overall winners and runners up were announced by our guest judge Susan Coles, at two prize giving ceremonies both held on Wednesday 4th June 2025, in the magnificent concert room at St George’s Hall, Liverpool.  Discover the overall winners and runners up here.

The gallery below offers a taster selection of the primary and secondary artworks on exhibition.