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Imprisoned Imagination: An Exhibition of Work Created Behind Bars

What does it mean to be creative in confinement? How can a poem, a painting, or a piece of music shift how the world sees people in prison—or how we see ourselves?

These were the questions that shaped Imprisoned Imagination, an exhibition we launched at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast. Over 25,000 members of the public walked through its doors. They came to experience the talent, truth, and humanity of people serving time in Northern Ireland’s prisons. Many left with something they didn’t expect: a new perspective.

A Window into the Soul

Every piece in the exhibition came from workshops we’ve run inside prison walls. Visual art, music, ceramics, and writing—each one made by someone in custody.

Our artists, writers, and musician in residence supported work that began as hesitant sketches or stories and developed into powerful personal expressions. Some of the pieces speak of regret, others of resilience, humour, hope, or healing. But all of them show that creativity doesn’t stop at the prison gate. For many people, it begins there.

“I am blown away by the artwork of Bobby and Stephen—such talented artists who have turned their lives around and now do so much to support others.”
— Beverley Wall, Director General, NIPS

One of the most talked-about pieces was a poem titled For Those Who Judge. Raw and unapologetic, it offered a truth many had never heard. Visitors stopped, read, and reconsidered what they thought they knew about life inside.

“This exhibition proves that people inside still have something to say—and it’s worth hearing.”
— Visitor feedback

 

The Creative Writing Nook

One of the most personal spaces in the exhibition was the Creative Writing Nook. Visitors could pause, reflect, and read excerpts from The Big Book, a 10-year collection of award-winning writing by people in custody.

We also offered the public a chance to take part in our Invite to Create challenge. Using prompts and techniques from The Transformative Way—a creative writing guide developed especially for prison writers—we invited people to write a poem, short story, or memory piece and place it anonymously in a box. These writings may form part of a future publication.

I was the only person to read them so far, and I can honestly say: every page carried something real. One stood out so strongly that I wanted to share it here:

I was 5 when my uncle went to prison
I was so upset
The Sheriff gave me a present
A pink unicorn
I do not remember the rest.

It’s simple—and quietly devastating. This anonymous poem captures how prison reaches far beyond the individual serving time. A pink unicorn becomes a symbol of comfort in a confusing world—a child’s memory shaped by absence.

To those of you inside: your writing matters. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s honest. Whether it’s your first sentence or your hundredth, your words have the power to move people. They already are.

 

Art That Speaks

We filled the gallery walls with original paintings and drawings. Ceramics and group projects were displayed on tables. Delicate matchstick models stood on plinths. All of it was created in prison workshops—some by people picking up tools for the first time, others by long-time artists.

What united them all was care, effort, and a sense of purpose.

 

Music That Transforms

A standout moment came from the Transforming Lives Through Music showcase—original tracks recorded by men at Magilligan as part of our music residency.

I’ve been in those sessions. I’ve seen people find connection through rhythm and vulnerability through lyrics. The recordings moved visitors to tears. It was, for many, the first time they’d really listened to someone behind bars—without judgment.

 

A Chance to Sell & Support

At our pop-up shop, we sold ceramics and woodcraft created by men in Maghaberry. Each item came with a short message from the maker. Every penny raised went back into supporting the artists and PAF’s programmes.

“Every piece tells a story. Every purchase makes a difference.”

People didn’t just buy objects. They took home something meaningful.

 

Tours and Masterclasses

Over 350 people joined our guided tours and special events, including a Late-Night Art session. What made these tours so impactful was that they were led by Stephen (Stevie) Greer—a gifted artist and former prisoner whose journey helped shape the exhibition.

Stevie didn’t just explain the work—he told the stories behind it. His insight transformed the experience from an art show into something deeply human.

 

Memoir Writing with Pamela Brown

Writer-in-Residence Pamela Brown led two Memoir Writing Masterclasses during the exhibition. She guided participants through exercises drawn from The Transformative Way, encouraging them to write from feeling, not just fact.

“Memoir writing isn’t just about telling your story,” Pamela said. “It’s about understanding it. You get to choose what it means—and who you are now.”

 

Drawing with Stephen Greer

I had the privilege of taking part in one of Stevie’s Life Drawing classes—this time, as the model. I’d never done anything like it before. Sitting still while others sketched my face felt vulnerable at first. But soon the room shifted. It became focused, respectful, and strangely calming.

At the end, Stevie and the other artists gave me all the portraits. I kept every one. Not because they were perfect—but because they captured something real: a moment of connection through art.

 

The Launch: Words That Matter

On 6 March, we launched Imprisoned Imagination with spoken word and testimony from two incredible voices: Liam Kelly and Stephen Greer. Liam, a writer and former prisoner, made the room laugh and reflect.

“I never read a book until I went to prison,” he said. “But once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. It saved me.”

Stephen also spoke—about finding purpose through creativity and about being seen not just as an ex-prisoner, but as an artist, a father, and a guide for others on the same path.

 

What the Public Said

As part of the exhibition, we invited visitors to rate their experience—from 1 (not great) to 5 (loved it). Nearly 9 out of 10 people gave it the top score. And the number of people who chose to leave feedback this year was three times higher than in previous years.

That tells me people weren’t just passing through. They were feeling something—and they wanted to say it.

One visitor left this message:

“Really inspiring to see how art can have an impact on people from all different backgrounds. As someone with family from these backgrounds, this has given me hope that people can change. Some talented artists in this exhibition with some real raw emotional pieces. Stephen was so lovely and hilarious—and it’s great to see a real-life example of how people can change themselves and inspire others to do the same.”

Our feedback form included the following statement:

“We hope that you, the viewer, will see that participation in the arts is a powerful learning tool and catalyst for the personal and social transformation of an individual.”

Based on what we heard, I believe that message came through—loud and clear.

 

To Those Still Inside

If you’re reading this from inside a cell, know this: you are not forgotten.

I’ve seen what your creativity can do. I’ve seen your stories change minds and open hearts. This exhibition was born behind bars—but its impact reached far beyond them.

Please keep writing. Keep painting. Keep making music. Keep creating.

You’re not just artists. You’re not defined by what’s behind you.
You are part of something bigger—something powerful and worth sharing.

We’re listening.