Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper and has been practised for over 400 years. In Japan, cranes symbolise health and a thousand years of long life. Making cranes is an expression of hope, and the word for this in Japanese is kibō.

Inspired by this concept, York Minster and local artist, Penny Phillips, invite you to make origami cranes to express how you feel about the last year. The cranes will be displayed in the central crossing of York Minster as part of a summer exhibition, Kibo Cranes, alongside cranes made by hundreds of other children.

Find out more about the exhibition and how to create your own crane here. Along with the directions in the pack, we also recommend watching these two guides to making an origami crane: Basteln mit Kindern and Spruce Crafts Origami.

Please post your creations to either The Old Palace Dean’s Park, York Minster, YO1 7JQ or The Art Department, St Peter’s School, York, YO30 6AB by 22 July 2021.