Introducing a new three-part podcast series in which we hear from those who have direct experiences of the UK justice system and educators, alongside artists who have contributed to the multiyear art and research project, Resolution. FACT identifies the justice system as a collection of statutory, non-statutory and charitable agencies and organisations, with some responsible for upholding the law and some created to support justice-affected communities.
Launched in 2019, Resolution expanded on FACT’s long history of working within the justice system, inviting four artists to collaborate with participants from prisons across Liverpool, Rochdale and York to create new artworks. The aim of the project is to explore how art can affect public attitudes and influence decision-making. Working alongside Liverpool John Moores University, over four years, our Learning team and invited artists have collaborated with imprisoned people, staff members, and those who influence decision-makers.
In Resolution, all artworks are presented in the gallery as part of our major exhibitions programme, and outputs and learnings are shared with relevant expert audiences: imprisoned participants, researchers, criminologists, and government representatives. In a three-part podcast series, the project participants expand on their understanding of the justice system, the impact they are trying to create through their day-to-day work, and the potential positive outcomes of such projects.
In Episode 1, we’re introduced to podcast host, Paul, who has direct experiences of the UK justice system. Having experienced imprisonment himself, he has also dedicated nine years to supporting incarcerated men within the system. Paul welcomes Dave to the podcast, a prison officer at Altcourse in Liverpool, and Rosie, a probation officer based in Liverpool since she started her career in the 1980’s. Both discuss the dehumanising effect that the justice system can have on already marginalised individuals, sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on their experiences of working within the system.
Mentions of those who are or have been imprisoned have had their names changed for confidentiality. Please be aware that some episodes contain mentions of abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and trauma. They are mentioned as part of the professional experience of one of the participants.
