17 Networkers and Dorset Council Youth Voice led the development and curation of this exhibition, working directly with care leavers to shape every aspect of the project. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery provided the platform and space, enabling these organisations and the care leavers themselves to tell their own stories in a prominent, welcoming venue.

What happened

Care leavers worked with 17 Networkers and Dorset Council Youth Voice to create and curate the exhibition. The result was a powerful collection of artworks, written pieces, and photographs that offered visitors an intimate glimpse into the diverse experiences and perspectives of young people in and leaving care. Each piece told a personal story – celebrating achievements, exploring challenges, and sharing hopes for the future. By creating and curating the exhibition themselves, care leavers took control of their own narratives, moving beyond stereotypes to show the complexity and resilience of their lived experiences.