Creative Roots Exhibition at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts, 2023

 

In June 2023, we held an exhibition at The Riverfront to showcase a selection of work created by residents, staff and the artists involved in the Creative Roots project. 

In 2021 Das Clarks ran a pilot project with residents and staff at Parc prison. The project evolved into ‘Creative Roots’ a unique programme that inspired those living and working in confinement to explore creative freedom. With sessions delivered on the residential wings of the prison, Creative Roots involved an initial foundation programme of creative exploration. The foundation activity developed into specialised sessions in print making, painting, photography and writing.

I was invited to share my painting practice as a specialism. It was important to me to show my work alongside theirs, without any division. As the exhibition was only on for a few days, we documented the project with a printed book and shared the activities that we designed.

Gareth Clark (Creative Director, Das Clarks) made a short play with the men and employed professional actors to read their words. It was emotional to hear unseen, unheard voices - we transported the viewers via sound, image and spoken word. 

Das Clarks are Gareth Clark, Marega Palser and Dee Rogers with Bill Chambers, Marion Cheung and Jo Haycock. Creative Roots was funded by Arts Council Wales Connect and Flourish with support from G4S and HMP Parc. The book was designed by Rhys Webber, Webber Design Ltd.