A free art exhibition and sale featuring works produced by former service personnel, serving custodial sentences, is taking place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May at St Paul’s, Muir, Kinross, KY13 8AY between 10am and 3pm each day.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, delivers a prison in-reach programme as part of its Veterans in the Criminal Justice System (VCJS) work. In-reach volunteers provide advice and information to those in custody, on probation or in the community, and to their families.
Last year, as part of this work, Andy Middlemiss, Chair for SSAFA’s Perth and Kinross branch, worked with HMP Perth to introduce an art therapy programme. After a volume of work was produced, programme organisers saw potential for an exhibition outside of the prison. The first Inside Out exhibition took place last year with support from Arts @ St Pauls, raising £1,000 for SSAFA.
Andy commented:
“Art can provide people with a means to express things they may not otherwise articulate, and I’m pleased that the art therapy programme with veterans at HMP Perth continues to make a difference. Last year’s exhibition was very well received and we’re looking forward to sharing more works with the community in a few weeks!”
This year’s exhibition is set to benefit Fighting With Pride (FWP), an Armed Forces charity leading a campaign to support the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and their families. The charity’s Operations Manager for FWP in Scotland, Dougie Morgan, visited HMP Perth earlier this year, which inspired the veteran prisoners to ask to repeat the art exhibition to fundraise for FWP.
Dougie said:
“I had a meaningful visit with veteran prisoners at HMP Perth and we are very honoured that they have chosen to support Fighting With Pride with Inside Out this year, adding ‘With Pride’ to the exhibition name.
“Many LGBT+ veterans have faced discrimination, isolation and mental health challenges due to their service experiences and the historical ban. Art therapy is important to Fighting With Pride because it helps veterans process trauma, express emotions and rebuild their sense of identity in a safe and creative environment. It also helps build confidence and emotional resilience which are crucial for healing and reintegration.”
Anne Taylor, Chair of Arts @ St Paul’s, added:
“At last year’s exhibition, I could see immediately that this was all about individuals creating something of their own. I felt that much of it was a powerful expression of memories, dreams and emotions that have, in the act of creating them, likely given an emotional release to the maker.
“That is in part the therapeutic value of creating a piece of artwork, but to value this enough to put it on display in the community should also be recognised as a way in which we can encourage self-worth and self-esteem.”
The free exhibition will see works of art on display at St Paul’s, allowing some families to see relatives’ works on display, and the public to view the veterans’ artwork. If any visitors wish to buy the art, it will be for sale and modestly priced in support of FWP. Refreshments will be on offer.
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.
To find out more about SSAFA’s Perth & Kinross branch, and to access support, visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/perth-kinross
