A street art exhibition is returning to York in support of local youth homeless charity.
The non-profit organisation Vandals at Work (formerly Bombsquad) are once again working with Safe and Sound Homes (SASH) in street art exhibition: Vandalfest.
SASH is youth homeless charity who look after 16 – 25-year-olds facing homelessness across York and North Yorkshire.
Vandalfest will take place over three weekends in July (11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 July) in four floors of galleries in the disused office block at 2 Low Ousegate in York.
Sharon McDonagh, one of the Vandals at Work members said: “It just felt like a no brainer to work with SASH again.
“There were loads of reasons we chose to work with them last year, mainly because loads of the young graffiti artists who were coming up as young professional artists were homeless at one point in their lives, and that resonated with us.
“This year’s event is set to be even bigger, bolder and more creative than ever.”
The 2025 exhibition will include immersive art, DJ sets, and live installations – as well as a on-site and online shop, and auction.
“It’s going to be epic, and knowing what we’re doing will help towards transforming the lives of young people in need is just amazing,” said Sharon.
Over 30 artists are taking part this year including: 3Dom, Acerone, Al Murphy, Andy Council, Boxxhead, Chu, Coloquix, Dotmasters, Filthy Luker, Inkie, James Jessop, KMG, Lincoln Lightfoot, Matt Sewell, Michael Dawson, My Dog Sighs, NOL, Paste Up York, Real State, Replete, Rizak, Rowdy, SEPR, Sharon McDonagh, Shona Hardie, Sledone, Sola, Static, Stephen Bottrill, Subspacer, Toasters.
“We are honoured and thrilled to have been chosen to work with Vandals at Work again this year.” said Aimee Harding, community fundraising officer at SASH.
“There are numbers of young people still needing help, the support from the team and event last year was amazing and we hope this years’ exhibition is just as popular if not more so, so we are able to help and support more young people as a result of it.”
As well as a line-up of renowned street artists this years’ event there will also include an installation by SASH, the display will include pieces of furniture that have been given a new look by young people in SASH.
All of the pieces of furniture have been donated by York Community Furniture Store. The unique pieces of furniture will be available to purchase via the Vandalfest store with proceeds going directly to SASH.
To find out more about Vandalfest 2025, visit SASH’s website here.
