Update on Prodigal Arts Aug 2020

Prodigal Arts commenced as a project in 2015 and became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in September 2016.

The charity aims to help people in prison and post-release 'unlock' their creative potential, 'setting free' a positive sense of individual achievement and self-worth which aims to contribute to reducing the chances of re-offending and their rehabilitation through the creation and sale of their artistic work.

This is achieved through the provision of equipment, materials and a mentoring programme to realise creative talent and to enhance creative skills. These skills are intended to assist offenders and the ‘artists on the out’ in re-integrating back into the community and to develop a responsible work ethic.

Through working on commissioned briefs, the sale and exhibition of their artwork through the Prodigal Arts website and events, it is hoped that the offenders and artists on the out that we work with will improve and that they will develop professional skills that may provide them with links to future employment opportunities.

Over the last 3-4 years, art mentoring sessions have been held in one prison local to Bristol on a regular basis, and through this a number of talented artists have been mentored and supported.

Several of these are now back in the community following release, and able to benefit from income generated through sales of their art – a combination of originals, prints and greetings cards. More information on the work of Prodigal Arts can be found through the charity’s website: https://www.prodigalarts.org/ 

The success of the work of the charity has been profiled and highlighted through recent publication of the Parole Board Annual Report and Accounts for 2019-20, published on 21st July.

Given the significant impact of Covid-19 on all sectors of society, and the charity sector in particular, the trustees of Prodigal Arts are currently reviewing and reappraising how best to plan for the future of the charity and to build on the success and impact achieved to date.

In doing this we are keen to hear from those within the Bristol region (although location isn’t critical as such) who may be interested in supporting the charity – either in practical ways if you happen to be a trained or suitably qualified artist and interested in exploring how you could potentially engage with the charity, or if you would be interested in being considered as a potential trustee of the charity. 

If you either of these two opportunities are of interest then please do make contact with the current Chair of Trustees, Andrew Street, to find out more (email: astreet@slrconsulting.com ). 

Prodigal Arts, August 2020