Prisoners at HMP Inverness have their artwork on display at Dornoch Cathedral
An exhibition of artworks created by prisoners at HMP Inverness is on display at Dornoch Cathedral.
Over 70 pieces of art are on show this week (until June 25) for the public to come and view.
The exhibition has been organised by Pictora, a social enterprise that uses art and creativity as a method of rehabilitation.
Robert Morrall is a co-director of Pictora, which was set up in 2009.
They began working with HMP Inverness three years ago, collecting art made by those inside during classes or in their cells.
Mr Morrall said: “We use creativity as a way to engage and help motivate people in prison.
“We don’t teach art, but we use art as a vehicle to help people.
“We came up with the idea of doing Made Visible exhibitions, taking art which is created in prison into the community.”
The whole idea is to change the narrative of how prisoners see themselves, which in turn can change behaviours.
Robert added: “By exhibiting their work, their self-confidence and self-esteem increase.
“We want to change how people see life.
“If someone decides in prison to be brave enough to exhibit work, it challenges the labels they have given themselves.
“The label can change from a prisoner and offender to an artist.
“If we are changing the label, we change the behaviour and what people can do in society.”
Those who have work displayed in the exhibition receive a certificate of participation. For some, it is the first time in their lives they have been recognised for doing anything.
They also receive photos of their art being exhibited and sets of greeting cards with the image they have submitted.
They can then send this to their family and children to maintain relationships and encourage self-confidence.
Robert said: “This is the first time we have done this in the Highlands and it is a superb example of partnership working.
“Pictora is a small social enterprise. No one pays us to do it. We generate our funds through the sale of cards, which then fund the art materials going into prison and the cost of printing the cards.
“What we do is not about numbers, but it is about trying to change the individuals. We want to help change their life and that of the community.”
Chloe Jenkins, the art teacher in HMP Inverness, said: “What a fantastic turnout to the event. I have shown the photos I took to some of our students today and they were so chuffed.”
The exhibition at Dornoch Cathedral saw a launch event with guest speakers coming along.
One of those was Jacob Reid, who spent time in prison and received support from Pictora.
Robert said: “I mentored Jacob and he flew up to share his lived experience with people during the launch event and the importance of art in rehabilitation.
“He was a real big hit.”
Over 80 people attended the launch on Monday and the exhibition has pulled in a mix of locals and tourists.
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