Magilligan Prison played host to a ground-breaking event when it
showcased MaGNitude, the first-ever concert of its kind within a
Northern Ireland Prison.
The event was officially opened by Beverley
Wall, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison
Service, marking an important milestone in rehabilitation and the
promotion of arts within prisons.
Live performances at the MaGNitude
event, enhanced with visual
artworks and spoken word pieces, allowed
prisoners to express
themselves and have their
voices reach outside the prison walls.
Beverley Wall praised the move stating: “This is another step in
the journey of prisoners' rehabilitation. The creative skills
learned will unlock new opportunities, build confidence and
provide opportunities for employment, education, and personal
growth.”
The performances ranged from poetry on themes of
childhood trauma, resilience, and perseverance to musical
performances reflecting personal experiences. Some deeply
personal stories were portrayed as visual art
that afforded unique perspectives into the lives and
feelings of prisoners.
MaGNitude forms part of ongoing
work by Magilligan Prison to promote rehabilitation
through creative programmes that encourage self-reflection,
teamwork and personal growth.
The concert was watched by
prisoners and
a number of invited guests,
including prison staff,
all united by the celebration of talents.
Adele Campbell, Prisons Arts Foundation member and
event organiser, said: “We believe
that through providing opportunities for inmates to
engage in music, art, and creative writing we are
helping them build their confidence, develop new
skills, and most importantly, feel a great sense
of achievement and pride.
"I'd like
to take this opportunity to thank the
entire team behind this event - Prison Arts Foundation, prison
staff, performers, and supporters who played a huge role in
bringing MaGNitude to life. This reminds us of the potential for
transformation of the arts on a personal and social level, and it
is hoped that this event will be a stimulus to similar work
within the prison estate across the region.”
Notes to Editors
- Magilligan Prison is a medium to low security prison which
holds male prisoners with six years or less to serve and who meet
the relevant security classification.
