Inaugural of "What Makes Us Happy" Exhibition

Susan Vickers Foundation Partners with Wolverhampton Art Gallery for Inaugural "What Makes Us Happy" Exhibition

Heart-warming showcase celebrates joy, hope and human connection through art created by care-experienced individuals

WOLVERHAMPTON, 1st June 2025 – The Susan Vickers Foundation is delighted to announce its inaugural art exhibition in partnership with Wolverhampton Art Gallery. "What Makes Us Happy: A Celebration of Joy, Hope & Human Connection" will run from Monday 4th August to Friday 29th August 2025, with free admission for all visitors.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, will officially open the exhibition, highlighting the city's commitment to supporting care-experienced individuals and celebrating the vital role of arts in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

The exhibition showcases artwork lovingly created by care-experienced individuals whom the Susan Vickers Foundation is honoured to serve, alongside friends and supporters of the organisation. Running daily from 10:30am to 4:00pm (excluding bank holidays), the exhibition promises to be a heart-warming celebration of resilience, creativity, and the simple moments that bring light to our lives.

Each piece in the collection tells a unique story of hope and human connection, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the experiences and perspectives of some of our community's most resilient individuals. The artwork spans various mediums and styles, unified by themes of joy, optimism, and the universal experiences that connect us all.

"This exhibition represents something truly special," said a spokesperson for the Susan Vickers Foundation. "It's not just about displaying beautiful artwork – it's about providing cultural capital for care-experienced people across our city and celebrating the incredible creativity and resilience within our community."

The Mayor's attendance underscores the significant impact of the Susan Vickers Foundation's work and reflects Wolverhampton City Council's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community through cultural initiatives.

The partnership with Wolverhampton Art Gallery reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to cultural opportunities and platforms to share their voice through art.

Visitors to the exhibition can expect to be moved and inspired by the honest, heartfelt expressions of what brings happiness to the artists' lives. From simple pleasures to profound moments of connection, the artwork serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of finding joy in everyday experiences.

The exhibition forms part of the Susan Vickers Foundation's broader mission to provide support and opportunities for care-experienced individuals, helping them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

About the Exhibition

• Title: "What Makes Us Happy: A Celebration of Joy, Hope & Human Connection"
• Dates: Monday 4th – Friday 29th August 2025
• Times: 10:30am – 4:00pm (excluding bank holidays)
• Venue: Wolverhampton Art Gallery
• Admission: Free for all visitors
• Organisers: Susan Vickers Foundation in partnership with Wolverhampton Art Gallery

About the Susan Vickers Foundation

The Susan Vickers Foundation is dedicated to providing cultural capital and support for care-experienced people across Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas. The Foundation believes that everyone deserves opportunities to express themselves creatively and participate fully in cultural life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Everyone is welcome to attend this inspiring exhibition and celebrate the remarkable talents within our community.