Welcome to Climate Unity: Circular Art – a celebration of creativity, collaboration and hope for
a more sustainable future.
This exhibition showcases artworks created by schools across Hampshire using re-purposed musical instruments that might otherwise have been discarded. Through sculpture, assemblage, painting and mixed-media techniques, children and young people have transformed forgotten objects into powerful works of art that speak of climate action, imagination and possibility. What was once considered old, broken or no longer useful has been given a new life, reminding us that with creativity and care, transformation is always possible.
Climate Unity: Circular Art is a special collaboration between Hampshire Improvement and Advisory Service (HIAS) and The Hampshire Music Education Hub with support from Southampton University. It brings together children and young people, artists, educators, musicians, scientists and communities, demonstrating how creativity can inspire positive environmental change. Every artwork in this exhibition reflects the ideas, hopes and voices of young people who are imagining a better future for our planet.
Exhibition Venue and Times
Venue: West Downs Art Gallery, University of Winchester, Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5DL
Dates: 14th July – 21 July 2026
FREE entry
Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 18:00
Saturday: 08:30 to 16:00
Sunday: Closed
Please note that there is no parking on site but several local car parks as well as being on the Park and Ride routes into Winchester.
Celebrating Six Years of Climate Unity
What is Circular Art?
Circular Art is inspired by the principles of the circular economy—reusing, repairing and re-purposing materials instead of throwing them away. By giving unwanted instruments a second life, these artworks encourage us to see value where others might see waste. They remind us that innovation often begins by looking at familiar things in new ways and that even small acts of reuse can contribute to a more sustainable world.
This exhibition marks the sixth year of Climate Unity, celebrating six years of creativity, environmental action and shared purpose. Over that time, thousands of young people have contributed artwork, ideas and messages that encourage communities to care for our planet and for one another. Every piece of art you see at Climate Unity tells a story. Some may make us smile, some may challenge us to think differently, but all demonstrate the extraordinary potential of imagination, teamwork and kindness. Together, they show that positive change begins when people come together with a shared vision and a determination to make a difference.
As you explore the exhibition, we invite you to reflect:
How have these artists transformed discarded materials into something meaningful?
What messages about the environment and our future can you discover? How might we all rethink, repair and reuse the objects in our own lives?
What role can creativity play in shaping a better future for our communities and our planet?
This exhibition reminds us that every positive action begins with an idea. When imagination is combined with collaboration, care and determination, remarkable things can happen. The young people whose work you see here are not only creating art—they are helping us imagine a more sustainable future.
To find out more or to be involved in future projects please get in touch with Kerry Kenward: kerry.kenward2@hants.gov.uk or Dr Jayne Stillman: jayne.stillman@hants.gov.uk
