The We Roar Exhibition Tour 2024

From Tuesday 9th January, the We Roar project begins the tour of their exhibition, starting at HMP Oakwood and visiting prison sites across the UK. 

The Transatlantic prison project devised by Faye Claridge, in partnership with Novus and the University of Michigan, supported 40 learners in 20 prisons across England and America to create artwork and poetry. Participants were sent three pieces of inspiration and were challenged to respond creatively, producing extraordinary art pieces. 

The tour offers learners the opportunity to access the exhibition and to see the fantastic artwork that is on display benefitting them both intellectually and emotionally.

Providing unique opportunities for learners to expand their Cultural Capital and Visual Literacy

Having access to the exhibition will give learners the opportunity to expand their Cultural Capital. The work showcases a diverse range of artwork, exposing learners to different cultures, perspectives, and artistic expressions.

The opportunity to visit the showcase also helps learners to expand their Visual Literacy. Viewing and interpreting visual art will help to develop their ability to analyse and understand visual elements, in art and also real life. 

Developing emotional intelligence and personal growth through the concept of art

The exhibition tour also provides learners the opportunity to develop emotionally, providing a positive outlet for learners to express themselves. Art often conveys emotions and evokes feelings. Discussing and reflecting on artwork can help learners develop emotional intelligence, enhancing their ability to recognise and understand emotions in both art and everyday situations. 

Art encourages open-mindedness, curiosity and a lifelong love for learning, being exposed to the assortment of artwork from the We Roar exhibition provides learners the chance to expand on their own creativity and inspire ideas within themselves, contributing to their personal growth. 

Tour Dates

The tour will be running from early January to July 2024 with a final exhibition showcase at the Prison Arts Festival, giving learners across the UK the exciting opportunity to showcase their work and visit the exhibition. 

If you work in the prison sector, at any of the prisons included in the tour, below are the key dates for when the We Roar exhibition arrives at each prison. However, if you don't work in the prison sector,  you can visit the exhibition at the Prison Arts Festival in November! 

• Tuesday 9th January 2024 - HMP Oakwood
• Monday 5th February 2024 - HMP Stafford
• Tuesday 20th February 2024 - HMP Thorn Cross
• Wednesday 13th March 2024 - HMP Altcourse
• Tuesday 2nd April 2024 - HMP Buckley Hall
• Monday 22nd April 2024 - HMP Deerbolt
• Monday 13th May 2024 - HMP Askham Grange
• Monday 3rd June 2024 - HMP Humber 
• Tuesday 25th June 2024 - HMP Hewell
• Tuesday 16th July 2024 - HMP Cookham Wood
• Friday 15th November 2024 - Prison Arts Festival 

The We Roar project as a whole, was received well by all participants who saw a huge difference in both their educational and personal development with one learner commenting positively on the experience:

This has helped me have a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It brought me pleasure and engagement - very fulfilling. The time spent on the We Roar project gave extra purpose to my art and life

Providing learners with unique opportunities like the We Roar project and exhibition tour, wouldn't be possible without our creative partnerships and creative strategy. To learn more, head over to our creative arts section.