Our work in prisons is part of an exciting collaboration with Weston College Prison Education.

We visit 10 prisons across the South West, taking in a range of performances and workshops. A typical session includes a short performance and Q&A session, followed by a fully participatory writing workshop – giving those in attendance the unique opportunity to begin to find a voice and be heard, as well as develop their creative writing skills. Our lead prison artist Gary Krishna heads up the work, supported by trained outsider artists.

“I told the prisoners I wasn’t there to sell them anything, but in reality I was. I was peddling hope in a hopeless place, where people are degraded, ashamed, powerless and baffled most of the time. I needed to leave them with some hope. I had been where they are.” (Gary Krishna, taken from Inside Time Newspaper article, July 2022.)

“The generosity of spirit if what makes this group particularly special.” (Amanda, Prison Librarian, HMP Channings Wood) 

“I told the prisoners I wasn’t there to sell them anything, but in reality I was. I was peddling hope in a hopeless place, where people are degraded, ashamed, powerless and baffled most of the time. I needed to leave them with some hope. I had been where they are.” (Gary Krishna, taken from Inside Time Newspaper article, July 2022.)

 

“A voice of light in the darkness of prison.” (Inmate, HMP Channings Wood)