About Us

Our History

A registered charity in the UK, the London International Gallery of Children’s Art (“LIGCA”) was founded in 1995 by a group of international educators and art enthusiasts who wished to establish in London a venue for the celebration of children’s art.

As an entirely volunteer-based organisation, LIGCA has hosted over 50 exhibitions of art by children and young people aged 2-18 years. During its twenty year history, LIGCA has been housed in three different gallery locations in north London.

With artwork emanating from six continents, visitors to our exhibitions have been given an insight into numerous countries. Our permanent collection represents Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia and Turkey.

LIGCA has also led initiatives to communicate the stories of children affected by world events such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the Balkan conflict, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 9/11 destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City; as well as those of disadvantaged children living in London and other parts of the world.

LIGCA art exhibitions have taken place in London at the Citibank’s Canary Wharf Headquarters, the Unicorn Theatre, the Swiss Cottage Library, Lauderdale House, the Islington Museum and children’s wards in local hospitals. We have also exhibited internationally at such diverse settings as the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, Hamada Children’s Museum of Art in Japan, the Lavrion UNHCR Refugee Centre in Greece and the City Museum of Lisbon.

Today

Currently without permanent premises, LIGCA serves its mission by operating educational outreach projects. We bring original children’s artwork and art education programmes into schools, community groups, hospitals and galleries; partner with organisations and venues that host temporary and pop-up exhibitions; and have developed an online presence pending our relocation to a new and suitable location. In the meantime, LIGCA continues to expand its collections by commissioning new exhibitions.

LIGCA exhibitions have included initiatives in partnership with schools and other local organisations, embassies and international charities such as:

  • The Nehru Centre, London
  • The NIrmal Bhartia School, New Delhi
  • The Village School, Belsize Park, London
  • UCL Academy, London
  • La Scuola Italiana a Londra
  • Halcyon International School, London
  • Coram Fields
  • Jack Taylor School (Camden)
  • UCLH Foundation Trust Play Scheme
  • The BBC
  • Tate Gallery
  • Royal Academy of Art
  • Department for Education and Employment;
  • Adventure Ecology
  • Embassy of China
  • Embassy of Mexico
  • UN High Commission for Refugees
  • Leonard Cheshire Foundation
  • Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders)
  • The Junior League
  • Art in All of Us
  • St Bernard’s Elementary School, Witless Bay, Newfoundland
  • International School of Havana
  • Southbank International School, London
  • The Moraitis School, Athens

Supporters and Funders

Many thanks to these and the many other supporters that have made our work possible.

 

Our Team

Board of Trustees

Paola Longobardi (Chair)

Annette Chase

Susie Craven

Mary Langford

 

 

 

Volunteers

Pauline Martin

Jane McGuinness

Anne Marie Pinou

 

 

Join Our Team

LIGCA is always looking for dedicated volunteers. If you wish to become part of our team please apply by getting in touch.

Current vacancies:

Internship position for students

Education programme volunteer