The newsletter for arts organisations working in criminal justice.
In this month's issue...
Chesca Joy: Imagine If
The NCJAA were devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Chesca Joy, founder, Artistic Director, and Chief Executive of Imagine If earlier this month. Read the full statement from Imagine If’s trustees here.
About Imagine If
Founded in 2015, in Leeds, Imagine If’s mission is to instigate active change in people’s lives through the arts, and aims to actively improve disadvantaged people’s lives through arts-based interventions, workshops and productions. They work predominantly with people in prison and people with convictions experiencing multiple disadvantages. Alongside their productions, they also partner with local organisations to provide workshops for the local community and provide training workshops for others working in arts in criminal justice.
Their most recent piece of work, Ain’t Nuff Time, is a digital performance for people in prison, showing the positive impact art can have on their lives pre- and post-release, and will be shown to up to 7,000 people in prison across the UK via HM Prison and Probation Service Digital Hub. As well as watching Ain’t Nuff Time, viewers within prisons will also be able to respond creatively to the film through a range of creative ways, fostering innovation, creativity and learning culture in a digital world. Selected responses will feature in a book circulated to prisons and the public, with the aim of increasing agency and self-esteem among those in prisons as well as educating the public.
Clinks and the NCJAA network members are proud to have contributed support for this project through bursary funding.
Read Chesca Joy’s full obituary from The Stage
Reflections from the sector
“The first time I saw Chesca Joy in action she was side of stage supporting and encouraging actors from Imagine If giving an incredible performance at Clinks' ‘Insiders View of Prisons and Probation’ event at the Haberdashers Hall in London. The piece, written, produced, and performed by men working with the company, it gave an audience with little prior knowledge of the criminal justice system an insight into what people experience, feel, and need. Every time I met Chesca, or heard from her, I couldn't help but be lifted by her passion, enthusiasm for and belief in the power if the arts to change and save lives. She didn't so much have a ‘can do’ attitude as much as a ‘nowt we can't do if we do it together’ attitude. I'm so sorry we won't meet again, but I'm so glad we did.” - Anne Fox, CEO Clinks
“Chesca was a true force of nature, and her passing has left a hole in the arts in criminal justice community. Her energy and passion for the transformative nature of the arts was infectious and she touched many lives through the work she did with Imagine If. I was devastated at the news of her passing and will very much miss catching up with her. My heartfelt condolences sit with her family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this heartbreaking moment in time.” - Janette Ssembusi, NCJAA Manager
“The arts in CJS sector needed leaders like Chesca - she was passionate, inspirational and determined. She championed the men, women and young people she worked with and invested in their futures. We will miss her being part of our sector and mourn her devastating death, whilst celebrating the impact she made and the difference her legacy will continue to make.” - Anna Herrmann, Clean Break
Chesca was both known and loved by many of the Clinks staff team and will be dearly missed. The team will continue to support Imagine If and the incredible work that they deliver to provide opportunities for people in the criminal justice system.
Inspiring Futures report
At the end of March, we launched the Inspiring Futures research report at the NCJAA’s annual Anne Peaker Lecture. Inspiring Futures was an ambitious programme of work that examined why arts interventions impact on the lives of people in the criminal justice system and how to optimise the effect. Led by the NCJAA, and delivered over three years, the project was a unique collaboration bringing together leading arts in criminal justice organisations and the Institute of Criminology at Cambridge University. In March 2023 we showcased the work and achievements of the project through a week-long exhibition at Rich Mix, London which has been recreated in this online virtual exhibition for audiences to access remotely. NCJAA Manager, Janette Ssembusi, has written a blog that shares more about the research project and 2024’s Anne Peaker lecture.
Join Clinks Member Advisory Forum
Clinks is seeking voluntary sector professionals from member organisations working in the criminal justice system to join our member advisory forum. To learn more about this forum and how important it is to Clinks, read this latest blog post the value of our member advisory forum. This is an exciting opportunity where you will be able to provide Clinks with strategic and operational advice, ensuring we are best informed by our membership to provide the best support possible. We are looking recruit additional members of the forum from arts organisations in our NCJAA network to ensure that it represents the range and diversity of the voluntary sector. Click here to find out more information about this opportunity and how to apply
Small Charities Week
24-28 June | online and in-person events | free - £60
Small Charity Week is a campaign to empower the UK’s small charities to have an even greater impact on society, and to address the challenges they face. Throughout the week, a range of organisations will provide training and events for small charities and create a national conversation about the vital role of small charities in strengthening communities across the UK. Browse the events
Clean Break: The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women
14-22 June | London’s International Festival of Theatre, London | from £15
Clean Break Announce New Production: The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women, an ‘epic journey through the theatre of judgement’ co-produced play with London International Festival of Theatre, in proud association with Brixton House. The world premiere of The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women asks what is justice, and who has the power to decide. This bold and theatrical experience immerses us in the haze between the shared rituals of theatre and the halls of justice. Buy tickets online
University of Surrey: Arts-based research methods
19 June | online | £98 - £220
The University of Surrey is offering a course that will delve into the significance of art as a research tool within qualitative methodologies. The course covers theoretical frameworks, including feminist and decolonising perspectives, guiding the application of art-based methods. The session will address both the advantages and obstacles of utilising art in research design, alongside practical considerations and its integration with other methodologies. Find out more about the course and register here
Clinks training events
June | online | from £75
Are you new to working or volunteering in the criminal justice system? Do you have volunteers or staff members who want to increase their understanding of the criminal justice system? In June, Clinks will be delivering 'Working and volunteering in prisons training' and 'Navigating the criminal justice system workshop' for the sector. We are also able to deliver these sessions in-house to your organisation if you have multiple colleagues who wish to attend, and are happy to make our training offer bespoke to your needs – for further information please get in touch via email at events@clinks.org
Role play training: Synergy Theatre Project
Synergy Theatre Project delivers bespoke role play training utilising experienced ex-prisoner actor facilitators to train criminal justice sector professionals. Their lived experience is invaluable, bringing unique insight and authenticity to training, offering participants the opportunity to test and develop their skills with service users before entering the working environment. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact esther@synergytheatreproject.co.uk
Beauty out of Ashes: Bike for Beds
15 September
Beauty out of Ashes has rescued 30 beds from the former Holloway women’s prison with the aim to repurpose and use them in future women’s spaces. They are raising money to support the storage of beds, and members will participate in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride on 15th September. Beauty out of Ashes aims to create a home for women’s services in London, as a living legacy of HMP Holloway and the women who were imprisoned there. Find out more about their work and support their mission
Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance: Creative Health Quality Framework
The Creative Health Quality Framework is a ground-breaking tool that clearly articulates what “good” looks like for creative and cultural initiatives that aim to support people’s health and wellbeing. The framework consists of a set of downloadable PDF resources based around eight Creative Health Quality Principles. It offers clear guidance on how to use these principles to deliver safe and effective projects. Funded by Arts Council England and developed by Creative Health consultant Jane Willis in collaboration with over 200 people including creative practitioners, participants, health commissioners, and researchers, it is designed to help anyone involved in developing and delivering creative approaches to supporting health and wellbeing. Download the Quality Framework here, or access the full Quality Framework Resource Pack.
It’s Not Just Music, It Helps You From Inside: Mixing Methods to Understand the Impact of Music on Young People in Contact with the Criminal Justice System
This article presents findings from research with a music programme run by a Youth Offending Team (YOT) in the Midlands of England. The research aimed to investigate whether children taking part in the project achieved improvements in attendance at YOT sessions compared to non-participants; measuring change over time in children’s self-reported musical ability, well-being, and attitudes and behaviour; foregrounding the voice and experience of the young people through in-depth qualitative interviews. Read the research paper in full
Street Casting: opportunity for actors with lived experience
Street Casting are looking for actors with lived experience of the criminal justice system to audition for paid roles in a forthcoming feature. Wayne Taylor is on the cusp of being released from prison on parole. He works in the prison kitchen and as a barber cutting hair on the wing. Besides his addiction, he’s worked hard to put his life back together and stay out of trouble. However, when Taylor gets a new cell mate Dee, things change. Wasteman is a visceral prison thriller directed by Calum Macdiarmid and written by Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran.
Email streetcasting@kharmelcochrane.co.uk with a picture, name, age and contact phone number if interested.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2024: education packs for prisons
Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM). Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, change the story, and amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society. Read more about the theme for 2024, What does family mean to you? and explore the education packs available for prisons.
Space for hire at Clean Break
If you are looking for a unique and affordable space to hire in London, look no further! Clean Break has three ground floor studio spaces and two meeting rooms available to hire for workshops, rehearsals, training, courses and meetings. They also have two office spaces for hire on the first floor, available on a flexible or fixed-term basis, from one day to full weekly bookings. The space is fully accessible, with communal spaces and a private courtyard garden. Find out more
Funding guidance for the criminal justice voluntary sector
As a sector support organisation, providing information, advice and resources to voluntary organisations is an important part of Clinks. They have heard from many of their members about how difficult it is to identify, understand and navigate funding opportunities for the criminal justice voluntary sector, and know that this is becoming even more challenging. Clinks have therefore published new information and guidance on their website which explores this topic and includes guides to statutory and charitable funding, fundraising support, and information on securing alternative sources of income. Have a look at their new Funding and Income webpages here.
Free professional development for arts and homelessness sector
In 2024-25 Arts & Homelessness International are offering monthly free professional development sessions as part of their monthly online conversation series, to give people interested in arts and homelessness a chance to get together remotely. The meetings are relaxed and fun and a place to share news, ideas and creativity.
- Radical Co-Creation - going beyond consultation to working in genuine partnership and equality
- Professional Development for Artists - modules including contracting, invoicing, curating, producing, pitching, raising money etc
- Cultural Spaces and Homelessness - how galleries, museums, arts centres, libraries etc can deepen access and involvement for people who are/have been homeless
- How to Set up and Run an Arts and Homelessness Project - from design to delivery
These training sessions will all take place during monthly network meetings on the last Wednesday of each month from 2pm. For more information and to book free spaces, click here
Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation
A new funding opportunity for Black-led charities & social enterprises delivering support to Black and Global Majority communities in London. Do it Now Now's - Innovate Now fund - will provide 64 London-based, Black-led charities & enterprises with £12,000 grant funding, bespoke support & £3,000 in compensated capacity building. This will help participating organisations build their financial resilience and operational readiness, increase their chances of raising social investment & aims to create a sustainable future for their work. Read more
ARTCRY: funding for political artwork in public spaces
ARTCRY encourages artists to make work which responds to social/political events happening right now. This is an open fund, you can apply on any topic at any time. However, they are particularly interested in funding:
- Transparency and accountability in our democracy: art that engages with our political systems (local & national).
- Fight for human rights and equality: especially art that engages with the UK’s Immigration and Asylum systems.
You can apply for any amount of money, up to £2,500. One additional grant of £5,000 is available for an exceptional application addressing one of the two areas of focus mentioned above. Applications open on Thursday, 23 May 2024. Read more and apply here
National Lottery Awards
The National Lottery Community Fund is offering funding from £300 to £20,000 for up to two years. Grants are to support community-led projects, fostering social connections and community activities, to create healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society. The application deadline is ongoing. Please apply at least 16 weeks before you intend to start the activities or spend any of the money. Find out more
Vacancies
Musicians – Finding Rhythms
Enterprise and Sales Manager – Clean Break
Engagement Support Officer – Fine Cell work
Prison Facilitator HMP Onley – Shannon Trust
Reading Specialist Lead HMP Foston Hall – Shannon Trust
Finance Officer – Shannon Trust
Want to post a vacancy?
Clinks members can post job and volunteer vacancies on our Jobs Board for free.
Full instructions for uploading a vacancy can be found here.
For assistance, email membership@clinks.org
Take a creative break
Want to pick up your pen and do some creative writing but feel like you’ve lost your mojo? Imagine Forest has 105 snappy exercises to help you get started.
Want to include something in the next newsletter?
The next NCJAA monthly newsletter will be sent on Thursday 25 July. If you have any news, opportunities or events relating to art organisations or projects within the criminal justice system that you would like included, please submit your information via our online form by Monday 15 July.
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This newsletter is written monthly. Email artsalliance@clinks.org if you wish to submit any news.
The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance is embedded in Clinks.
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