A private collector has entrusted original works by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Anthony Caro and Helen Chadwick to Rev Matt Woodcock for a special Art and Photography Exhibition at St Stephen’s Church, Acomb, as part of AcombFest 2026.
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Rev Woodcock, who is vicar of St Stephen’s, said: “I’m hugely grateful to my generous friend for entrusting these works to us for our AcombFest exhibition. I actually first saw the Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces while I was in their toilet at a party! I didn’t realise they were originals.
“I find their work fascinating, so I cheekily asked if I could borrow them for our exhibition. Incredibly, they agreed, so now lots of other people can enjoy them too. What I’m most looking forward to is seeing them alongside the brilliant artists and photographers we have in our parish. That’s what AcombFest is all about – bringing people together and celebrating creativity in all its forms.”
Rev Matt Woodcock vicar at St Stephen’s Church, Acomb (Image: Supplied)
The exhibition will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5, bringing together works by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists alongside a rich variety of photography, printmaking, installations and artwork from local creatives.
Among the highlights will be Damien Hirst’s Ho, Ho, Ho! Greeting Card (1997), featuring his iconic polka-dot motif, one of the most recognisable images in contemporary British art. Visitors will also be able to view Tracey Emin’s Be Faithful To Your Dreams Greeting Card (1999), featuring an embroidered handkerchief and handwritten message, alongside Anthony Caro’s bronze Belt Buckle (1993).
Damien Hirst’s Ho, Ho, Ho! Greeting Card (1997), featuring his iconic polka-dot motif (Image: Supplied)
Alongside these major names, the exhibition celebrates the creativity flourishing much closer to home. Featured exhibitors include local award-winning photographers, watercolour artists, linocut printmakers, video art installations and a wide range of artwork created by local people.
Rev Woodcock is keen to stress that the modern art pieces will not be kept in St Stephen’s overnight and appropriate security arrangements will be in place throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition forms part of AcombFest 2026, one of York’s newest community festivals. Thousands of visitors are expected across the weekend, which will feature live music, food and drink, family activities, community performances and creative events across Acomb. Festival-goers will also be able to watch acclaimed street artist Smug create a major new mural, adding to York’s growing reputation as a destination for public art.
Kirsty Parr, exhibition contributor, with artworks at St Stephen’s Church, Acomb (Image: Supplied)
Rev Woodcock said: “AcombFest is such a significant thing for our area. We hope it will leave a lasting legacy. Whether people come for the music, the mural, the food, the community atmosphere or the chance to see works by Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin in a parish church, there’s something for everyone.”
Admission to the exhibition is free and all are welcome. It will be open from 10am-4pm on the Saturday and 1-4pm on the Sunday.
Tracey Emin’s Be Faithful To Your Dreams Greeting Card (1999) (Image: Supplied)