Creative Roots

Creative Roots is an ongoing programme designed to nurture wellbeing and creativity through art-making. Delivered in prisons, recovery services, and community settings across Wales, it offers participants an opportunity to explore painting, drawing, writing, and other artistic practices in a safe and supportive environment.

The project is grounded in the belief that creativity belongs to everyone. Participants range from people who haven’t picked up a pencil or paintbrush in decades to those with established creative practices. By bringing together prisoners, residents in recovery, staff, volunteers, and community members, Creative Roots dissolves labels and instead emphasises the power of shared creative experience.

Workshops encourage mindfulness, freedom, and mutual support. The outcomes have included exhibitions both inside and outside prison walls, as well as a published book that captured participants’ artwork and reflections. Through this work, Creative Roots has provided people with a sense of connection, possibility, and hope, enabling them to see their futures as more open and full of potential.