The studio vandalism and burglary of artist April Key.

Last week (29.10.2026) April Key, a Wakefield based artist, opened her small studio unit in the Ridings Shopping Centre to find it vandalised and burgled. Her artwork had been mindlessly smashed. Her tools and equipment, which included her late grandfather’s cherished camera and photographs, had been stolen. Her studio space, walls and furniture had been urinated on and spray painted with disturbingly personal graffiti.

The following day after police forensics had finished at the scene, April moved her few remaining possessions into a lock up and has handed back her studio unit keys, not wanting to be there anymore.

Unfortunately she did not have contents insurance and cannot afford to replace the stolen tools, equipment and artwork, nor is the landlord able to assist financially.

April Key is a young, gifted, glass-half-full individual, and a valued personality by her friends and the community. No one should suffer such a vicious and personal attack on their space, destroying the few possessions they own, their livelihood and potentially their mental health.

Being a proud and independent person, April would not ask for this help. But as her friends, and also as Wakefield citizens who feel affected by this disgusting, destructive and cowardly act, we want to stand in solidarity, that this mindless evil will not be tolerated in our community.

And so we ask you to pledge what you feel you can towards this page that will show April she is highly thought about, respected and not alone here. We hope the money raised will allow her to get back on her feet sooner rather than later, so that she can continue entertaining and inspiring people again with her artwork.

Thank you