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Inspiring creativity and encouraging personal and social change through the arts

The Prison Arts Foundation is as important as it is unique. Thanks to our pioneering work with people with convictions lives are being transformed and patterns of behaviour changed for good.

Our team of experienced professional artists working across the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland are offering people with convictions a life-line, helping to improve their creative and communications skills, which is key to personal and social development, building self-confidence and unlocking people’s potential.

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Limited Edition: An Exhibition of Work Created Behind Bars

Being creative in confinement doesn’t come easy to everyone. Some have never even lifted a paintbrush before. How does that turn from nothing into some of the most creative pieces we see now?

These were the questions that shaped Limited Edition, an exhibition we launched at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast. Over 13,000 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 creative writing—each one made by someone in custody.
Each of our in-house artists have taken the time to guide and nurture the creativity within each of these individuals to enable them to create wonderful pieces they can be proud of. Some pieces are of happier times and others of remorse, all equally powerful. Many did not realise their artistic talents, and the workshops within the prison have unleashed this.

“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

Art That Speaks

We filled the gallery walls with original paintings and drawings. Ceramics and group projects were displayed on tables. Delicate bowls and mosaic panels 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.

Music That Transforms

Music profoundly influences individuals by enhancing emotional well-being, improving cognitive function, and fostering social connections. Our workshops have created bands and soloists. Some of whom have never performed in front of anyone before; however, they have grouped the strength to perform for their peers.

A Chance to Sell & Support

At our pop-up shop, we sold woodcraft created by men in Maghaberry. Each item was carefully crafted and perfectly achieved. 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.

Partnerships

This year we further showcased work from a partnership we had with RNIB. They consulted with us regarding a little-known syndrome called Charles Bonnet Syndrome. This condition affects mainly those who are blind in experiencing hallucinations or visions that they cannot explain or remove. Instead, we took the time to sit with them and listen to their vision and turn that into pieces of artwork. Alongside this, we used our services at the Support Braille Hub for PAF to create tactiles of the images. This allowed people from the blind community to experience the artwork as well.

Feedback from this: “Amazing. I am blind. Very tactile.”

It highlights that artwork doesn’t just have to be for the sighted but can be enjoyed by all.

Tours

Stevie Greer (visual artist) and Liam Kelly (author) took the time to meet and greet with spectators during the course of the exhibition. They shared their own personal journeys and the impact that the work of PAF did for them. They are now both established as creative artists in their own right and within their communities. They are encouraging those behind bars to direct their energies into something positive for themselves, their families, and the community they will one day return to.

The Launch

On 12 March, we launched Limited Edition, featuring spoken word and testimony from incredible voices: Liam Kelly, Bobby Matthieson, and Stephen Greer. Liam, a writer and former prisoner, left the room engaged and emotionally moved by his account of the life challenges that led to negative decision making, providing insight along with his cathartic comedic edge.

“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). Almost 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 us that people weren’t just passing through. They were feeling something—and they wanted to say it.

One visitor left this message:

“I love all of it. I love the community engagement.”

Many reflected on their own personal pieces; over 90% gave us 5 out of 5, which is outstanding. 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, we believe that message about the impact of art behind bars came through—loud and clear.

To Those Still Inside

If you are inside or in a community-based setting and reading this, know we believe that you can turn your life around and use the arts as a tool to do just that. Please engage with us. Look at the exhibits on display, it clearly demonstrates the standards of creative works and expression that are being achieved. Don’t give up; we will support you.

“Hard to say all artworks are impressive and individual. I love the denim jacket”