Reimagining Futures
Creative painting workshops delivered in probation service premises across Wales. Participants developed collective manifestos and artwork reflecting their lived experiences. The sessions encouraged wellbeing, conversation, and self-expression, with residents often discovering creativity for the first time and gaining a sense of pride and possibility.
Commissioned by the UK Prison and Probation Service in Wales, Reimagining Futures was created for people living and working in approved premises across Cardiff, Swansea, and other locations. Using painting as a starting point, participants engaged in regular workshops where creative activity opened the door to conversation, reflection, and self-expression.
The central aim was to co-create manifestos for each house — documents that captured the values, strengths, and aspirations of residents and staff. While participants painted, facilitators recorded their words, shaping them into positive collective statements. The process was simple but transformative: residents who were initially reluctant often became the most committed attendees, finding new ways to connect with themselves and others.
The project produced a diverse body of artwork that reflected resilience, humour, and hope. Many participants described painting for the first time and discovered its impact on their wellbeing. They spoke of feeling less anxious, more focused, and more positive about their time in the approved premises. By combining creative practice with dialogue, Reimagining Futures showed how art can nurture self-belief, reduce barriers, and create a shared sense of identity.