2Makeit: The art of creative rehabilitation
In a quiet Central London studio space, an art class is in full flow. Paint brushes and oil pastels are being drawn across paper and canvas and beautiful combinations of colour brought to life. Art is being made. And it is being made by a group of people who are largely ex-prisoners, supported through charity 2Makeit’s creative rehabilitation programmes.
Founded in 2013, 2Makeit is a prisoner rehabilitation charity that supports prisoners and ex-prisoners by running programmes that focus on skills, and creative expression. Guided by experts including musicians, artists and writers, participants are encouraged to engage with fellow prisoners, learn how to collaborate and explore creative expression, and to gain greater confidence and improved self-esteem on the route to successful resettlement after leaving prison.
“New motivation, commitment and self-esteem can be the result of a creative experience. For many people in prison, having completed anything is a new experience offered by the arts.”
Beyond prison walls, the charity offers continued support and advice for ex-prisoners as they re-build their lives. Helping them to navigate housing, benefits, volunteering, employment, education, training, health and wellbeing, as well as just ‘being there’ for a conversation when needed.
In 2019, 2Makeit partnered with social enterprise organisation Pictora to deliver ‘Made Visible’, a programme where prisoners at HMP The Mount in Hertfordshire created more than 100 pieces of art and poetry for an exhibition within the prison. This was followed by a community exhibition at the Open Door arts space in Berkhamsted, that celebrated the creative talents of artists regardless of their background, challenged the ‘us and them’ mentality, and focused on hidden talent being ‘Made Visible’.
“The Made Visible project convinced so many prisoners that they could achieve something that they didn’t believe they were capable of. It was a terrific boost to their morale, confidence and self-esteem.”
Following the success of the exhibitions, 2Makeit worked with the RSA’s Fellow Artist’s Network and Pictora to develop the ‘Made Visible’ art and writing exhibition, which welcomed hundreds of visitors to RSA House in London during January 2024. The exhibition included work by NHS, charity and probation staff, refugees, those experiencing mental health challenges, and those living in hostels and from prisons as far apart as Brixton and Inverness.
“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 visitor. 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!”
Today’s session has been part of 2Makeit’s ongoing programme of activities designed to support former prisoners re-entering the community. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and supportive, and as the participants display and discuss their artwork, the sense of pride and personal accomplishment is palpable. If the goal of the programme is to make hidden talent visible, then the proof is surely in the paintings.
In 2023/2024 the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity awarded 2Makeit a 3-year grant of £45,000, to help fund the salary of a new Community Rehabilitation Coordinator. 2Makeit currently runs programmes in 5 prisons and 6 community settings across the UK, and provides ongoing support for individuals after their release from prison. The ‘Made Visible’ exhibition is on display at Friends House, London until the 30 August 2024, before transferring to Rochester Cathedral in September.
Written by Katie Henry | Edited by Chris Mann | Photography by Clarissa Debenham