Tour of prison poetry and artwork to visit Staffordshire Libraries

The ‘We Roar’ prison collaboration features work created by people in prison and will be available at Stafford library in May and Perton library in June. Visitors to the exhibition can also take part in a series of free events including art workshops, poetry performances and film screenings.

The exhibition offers a rare insight into mass incarceration in the US and UK, with artwork and poetry by 40 people in 20 different prisons. All exhibitors were sent a poem and two paintings as an inspirational starting point for the project. They were also given creative mentoring, led by artist Faye Claridge partnering with Novus (UK) and the Prison Creative Arts Project (USA).

Sue Ball, Head of Staffordshire Libraries & Arts Service at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We’re always looking for new and exciting activities and events for our libraries.

“This exhibition promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking display that reminds us of the importance of self-expression and the value of engaging in the arts.

“It’s great news that the exhibition is featuring in two of our libraries and I would urge people to come along and have a look when it arrives.”

Speaking about the exhibition, artist Faye Claridge said: “The public doesn’t usually have access to prison experiences directly from incarcerated people so it’s really powerful to share these artworks and poems.

“Each also has a statement and some mention ambitions for the project to help ‘the world to become a less judgemental place’ and to convey the fact that all prisoners are human.”

Further details along with a short film about the project are available on the We Roar website - fayeclaridge.co.uk/weroar.

People can find out more about the supporting activities and book places by contacting the relevant library. Stafford library on 01785 278351, or stafford.library@staffordshire.gov.uk and Perton library on 01902 506050 or perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.