Inside Out: at Jordans

Inside Out: A music and photography installation by prisoners - has opened at our Dewsbury Offices

From October 2009 until the end of the year.

This exciting installation that brings together music and photography created by prisoners will be on display for the first time in the north of England here at Jordans.

The Inside Out project, run by leading prison arts organisation Music in Prisons, used music to engage and inspire prisoners in HMP Wandsworth and HMPYOI Holloway in positive opportunities away from crime *. The installation will also include photographs taken by Leeds photographer Lizzie Coombes of prisoners engaged in the music projects.

During each project week, participants worked together to write music and form a band, learning crucial life skills such as team working and communication, as well as building self-esteem and motivation. As Bruce, a recent participant described it: “It inspires you to do something positive. It’s better to create something positive than destroy it and when you create music, you’re creating a bit of yourself too.”

The audio visual instillation was previously shown to widespread acclaim at London’s Southbank Centre, the exhibition showcases The Irene Taylor Trust ‘Music in Prisons’ ongoing programme of work in prisons throughout the UK using creative music-making to inspire and engage prisoners in positive opportunities away from crime.

At the preview Simon Lindley, Senior Partner at Jordans Solicitors commented, “We are
feeling very positive about our contributions to the arts in Yorkshire. The recent exhibition by David Wilders held at our Castleford offices has helped us to establish strong links with the cultural community and provide a new audience for arts projects. Cathy Cook our head of Company and Commercial has brought this exhibition to Yorkshire. We are keen to support further work in this area particularly in view of recent cuts in funding.”

Simon introduced Sara Lee, Artistic Director of Music in Prisons. A musician who has delivered all of the Trust’s projects to date and is responsible for developing new project ideas and managing the Trust’s workload from the office. She explained that “By providing individuals with the chance to develop new skills, both musical and personal, Music in Prisons gives them the chance to leave prison with more than just the stigma of having been there.”

* Although this project ran at HMP Wandsworth and HMPYOI Holloway, Music in Prisons work at prisons all across the country. For further information on Music in Prisons click here. Our Dewsbury offices are located at:

Jordans Solicitors
Neil Jordan House
Dewsbury
West Yorkshire
WF13 1HL

Tel. 01924 457171