Scottish Prison Arts Network

Aim

The Scottish Prison Arts Network is looking for immediate resource to continue to deliver support and advocacy for arts projects in prisons.

Scotland is advanced in art in prison practice. The aim of the Scottish Prison Arts Network (SPAN) is to support and advocate for art within prison. Financial support for SPAN will assist in the deliverance of mentor’s for artists in prison, peer support for artists working in prison, training and sharing at skill-share days and networking opportunities. These activities reinforce the continuation of the successful deliverance of arts within prison.

“Artist working in a prison have long been asked the question; ‘why do art in prison? What is the function of it in there?’ In many ways it is a complicated question – fraught with inherited scepticism and traces of the tired stereotypes of circle games and poster paint collages on a Friday afternoon. And yet as artists we know that the answer is in face very simple. Because you see… art is the practice of being human.” (An Artist Guide, The Scottish Prison Arts Network, 2015).  

The Scottish Prison Arts Network (SPAN) is a charity set up in 2013 to support and advocate for artists and arts projects in Scottish Prisons.  

Since it's creation the charity has gone from strength to strength and has over 250 members attending events every year. We are passionate about supporting creative opportunities for prisoners, their families and communities affected by crime and providing high quality support and training across the sector. 

You can see more about our organisation at the following address:

www.scottishprisonarts.net

After having a strong start with significant support from Creative Scotland we currently find ourselves in a period of financial challenge as public arts policy has changed and the Scottish Prison Service's strong aspirations for the arts is still under review. We need now to look for new ways to support our delivery, to bridge the gap and ensure the future of an organisation we really care about. 

Any donations (however small) you would be able to give at this time would be so greatly appreciated.

This project successfully funded on 28th April 2016