Talent made visible

The RSA’s Fellows Artists’ Network (FAN) gives working artists the opportunity to network, discuss issues important to them and show their work. FAN has worked with 2makeit, a charity using creativity to support the rehabilitation of offenders, and social enterprise Pictora to develop the Made Visible art and writing exhibition. Made Visible promotes the work of creatives who may be prisoners, ex-offenders or other vulnerable individuals in society.

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The co-leaders of the Fellows Artists’ Network describe their work in supporting the creative efforts of prisoners and ex-offenders through the Made Visible exhibition.

The Fellows Artists’ Network (FAN) aims to raise the profile of the arts across society and the need to tap into ideas from fresh sources, encourage new work, increase access to different art forms and promote artistic work and ideas, particularly for under-represented voices in the arts.

‘Made Visible’, an art and writing exhibition in the RSA’s Vaults, was the result of a project by 2makeit, a charity using creativity to support the rehabilitation of offenders, in partnership with FAN and social enterprise Pictora.

Since 2021, 2makeit has been part of a project supporting men who have experienced the prison system and who are screened into the Personality Disorder Pathway via the NHS and HM Prison and Probation Service. The provision includes one-to-one professional advice and support, a safe place to meet and complementary music and arts activities by 2makeit to promote wellbeing and build the relationships which can reduce the risk of reoffending.

Art without labels

Art from the project led to the exhibition, which brought artists together from any background, including those who suffer from labels that may hold them back (eg ‘homeless’, ‘offender’ or ‘unemployed’), and exhibited work without labels bringing out hidden talent to be… made visible. 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.

Hundreds visited the show, leaving excellent feedback. Most importantly, the exhibition had great impact and meaning for the service users of 2makeit and Pictora who contributed work and had the chance to see the show, one of whom wrote: 

“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 visitors… 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! It was one of the best afternoons I have had in a seriously long time!”

Such was the response that more exhibitions are in the pipeline.

Andrew Darke FRSA is an artist, environmental activist and FAN co-leader.

Philip Emery FRSA is Director of 2makeit and FAN co-leader.

Mark Power FRSA is Director of MillsPower Architecture and FAN co-leader.

The two artworks above featured in the ‘Made Visible’ exhibition.

This article was first published in RSA Journal Issue 2 2024.