High school students in Ipswich have created vibrant key-shaped artwork in downtown shop windows to celebrate creativity, ambition, and community spirit. The Youth Voice Unlocked project is part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 initiative, which commemorates the 550th anniversary of the birth of Ipswich's historic statesman who served King Henry VIII.
Four local high schools collaborated with community artists to design colorful motifs, each representing what young people need to unlock their potential. Aleeza, a 14-year-old student from Ipswich Academy, emphasized the importance of maintaining high aspirations. "We need to keep our aspirations high and not let anybody break that down - no matter what people tell you, you can do it," she said, expressing her desire to inspire young people to pursue careers in the NHS or journalism.
Eleanor, also 14, from Ormiston Endeavour Academy, painted a key in the front window of the Buttermarket shopping center that reflects her dream of joining the Royal Navy as a medic. "You need to have confidence and believe in yourself to achieve that dream," she told BBC Radio Suffolk. Her artwork illustrates how personal ambitions can be transformed into visual inspiration for others.
More than 40 students dedicated Monday and Tuesday to creating the artwork, painting directly onto glass windows using colorful marker pens. The window of Unit 1 in the Buttermarket shopping center features a mural inspired by Wolsey's Gate, the historic entrance to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's intended college in Ipswich on Star Lane, which was never completed. Aleeza contributed to this piece, describing it "as a reminder that big dreams can start here."
Hannah Houghton, education and opportunities lead for the Wolsey 550 project, explained the broader context of the initiative. "This is part of 'I Will' week, which represents youth social action and all the campaigns that young people are doing," she said. "This has been about young people coming together in the place they call home, and representing their dreams for the future, so it has all been really positive."
The atmosphere during the project was notably uplifting, according to participating students Libby and Eleanor, who described the collaborative working environment as extremely positive. Lisa White, who runs the Crafty Fox cafe in The Walk in the town center, expressed enthusiasm about involving young people who feel connected to their community, saying it was great to work with youth who felt they were truly part of Ipswich.
The project received support from several organizations, including Volunteering Matters, the iWill Movement, and BBC Children in Need. The iWill Week runs from November 17-21, 2025, providing a platform for youth social action initiatives across the region. The key-shaped art trail serves as both a celebration of local history and a forward-looking statement about the potential of Ipswich's young residents.
