On display in our Crypt

2makeit is a small charity helping the rehabilitation of prisoners and ex-prisoners by providing opportunities for creative expression through music and the arts. Our work continues in the community: continuing creative activities, providing help with accommodation or finding a job, or just ‘being there’ for a chat when needed. Our prison projects have included choirs, drum workshops, rock bands, art and poetry exhibitions plus ongoing support in the community.

The value of creativity in rehabilitation and wellbeing of service users is central to our work: providing an opportunity to explore their creative skills is a vital experience because it builds confidence, expands minds, teaches collaboration and encourages positive, constructive thinking, and so reduces the risk of reoffending. Performing in front of an audience, receiving praise and being recognised as something other than ‘an offender’ like an artist or musician can change a life. This is captured in feedback from a beneficiary in prison:

“I’ve never felt so proud by just having a go at something and not being scared, thank you for believing in me.”

‘Made Visible’ is a project in partnership with social enterprise partner, Pictora, and provides materials and support to produce art and writing, culminating in an exhibition. The project aims to bring artists together from any background, including those who suffer from labels that may hold them back (e.g. ‘homeless’, ‘offender’ or ‘unemployed’) and exhibit work without labels, bringing out hidden talent to be ‘Made Visible’. In the last year Made Visible exhibitions have taken place in London at Friends House and the Royal Society of Arts. One service user said of the exhibition at the RSA:

“Some of the images have stayed with me and I thought about them all evening - in one of them, I could see myself and my own struggles within a drawing and it blew my mind. The building was amazing - with all the masonry, paintings and distinguished visitors…. It was so good to feel like everyone was there to appreciate the art, support each other and has made me want to start visiting galleries and feel more like it is ok for someone like me to go! …it was one of the best afternoons I have had in a seriously long time!”

A brand new made Visible exhibition runs throughout September in the Crypt at Rochester Cathedral. To find out more about 2makeit visit www.2makeit.org.

Closed on Sundays