Prodigal Arts presents art exhibition from current and former inmates

Prodigal Arts is a Bristol-based charity helping individuals currently in prison – as well as those rebuilding their lives post-release – to find their creative potential.

Through mentoring and more unstructured sessions, they provide opportunities to make and sell artwork.

This approach invariably leads to “a positive sense of individual achievement and self-worth which aims to contribute to reducing the likelihood of re-offending”.

S.G – Curves & Straights 2

Reflecting this mission, Prodigal Arts’ forthcoming exhibition at The Island is titled Reclaiming Tomorrow.

Through a diverse range of works exploring “hope, resilience, and the futures that can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances”, the collection aims to “challenge perceptions and encourage dialogue about rehabilitation, creativity, and the role of art in shaping new narratives”.

The exhibition features artworks from both COTOs (Creative on the Out) and COTIs (Creative on the Inside), all of whom have a positive story to tell in terms of the healing and galvanising power of art.

Pete – It’s only Rock ‘N’ Roll

Phil, a COTO, reflects: “Being in prison would be detrimental to anyone’s mental health but for someone who has struggled all their life it can be catastrophic. There can be no doubt that art in prison saved my life.

“Having a safe quiet space to produce art was a blessing”, he continues. “With guidance and encouragement I managed to broaden my skills and styles, producing work of great variety and with varying success, but it was liberating trying new things.”

For Andrew, another COTO who began making art while still in prison, involvement in the charity has given him not only a valuable creative outlet, but a new purpose in life. “Being part of Prodigal Arts has helped me grow as a person. The challenges I am given take me on a journey of learning and self-discovery.”

Impossible impossibilities

“My life is now filled with helping others”, he says. “The art I do for Prodigal Arts – I hope – helps viewers to find positives in what they see. Hopefully they then take those positives with them as a bank of inspiration they can draw from when needed.”

For those on the inside, finding and developing a newfound passion for creativity can be hugely instructive. N.G. is a COTI who has been engaging with the charity while serving his sentence. “(Prodigal Arts) gave me the belief that I have the ability to change”, he notes, adding “and that change was worthwhile.”

The public is invited to attend the free opening night, to view the collection and meet some of those involved in bringing this project to fruition.

Prodigal Arts: Reclaiming Tomorrow is at The Island on November 6-9, at 6-9pm on Thursday (opening night), 12-7pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.prodigalarts.org or follow @prodigalarts.

All photos: Prodigal Arts  (main photo: Andrew, ‘Because marine life doesn’t wear clothes’)

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