The Burnbake Prison Art Project

We are committed to aid rehabilitation of offenders through the therapeutic benefits of art. It was founded by the late Jean Davis in 1968 to help offenders and ex-offenders keep out of the penal system by introducing them to the arts. In 2023, the project merged with Alabaré which has enabled us to work with a broader scope regarding rehabilitation.

The programme provides art materials for people in prison, enabling them to take part in, and benefit from, creative activities. Art is important for offenders as the therapeutic properties are immeasurable, from problem solving, relaxation, learning new skills, reflection, a method for expression and most important, a sense of achievement.

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Alabaré Chief Executive Andrew Lord says:

“This is a fantastic project which makes a big difference in the lives of people who have limited opportunities to share their creativity. Over the years, The Burnbake Trust has built up some incredible links with prisons across the county and has helped thousands of prisoners access art as a means of therapy and positive creative expression, some of the comments received are truly humbling.”

Hear from previous recipients of art materials

“Thank you for being so kind to me. Your letters always bring a smile to my face. Also, thank you for asking about my mum, she is really poorly. I hope I get my art materials soon so that I can make her Mother’s Day cards.”

“I am so grateful as I have no one who can afford to send me private cash, so without your help, I would not have been able to do artwork at all.”

“I find my artwork very therapeutic, especially here in prison, and I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity.”

How it works

If an offender has more than 10 months left of their sentence and less than £50 in their private account, applicants can register with us.

Applicants choose from a number of art packs, each containing materials used for their preferred medium:

Acrylic Paint
Watercolour Paint
Aquarelle Pencils
Graphite Pencils
Soft Pastels
Match Craft

These materials are supplied for cell recreation or as part of an educational programme.

Individuals can choose to submit finished work back to us which will then be offered for sale through exhibitions that we hold, and in most cases it is sold for them. When an artwork is sold, 50% of the sale is credited to the artist enabling them to purchase more art materials to sustain their own work. This step we feel is crucial in building confidence and developing a sense of self-worth, which is vital in the artist’s eventual rehabilitation.

How we are funded

We receive no government funding and are responsible for our own fundraising. We run a tight budget and keep our overheads to a minimum. Fundraising for any charity is never easy and ours is a less glamorous cause than many. Fortunately there are people out there who firmly believe in the real worth of the project and through their generosity we have been able to continue.

If you would like to make a contribution to the project with a donation please do get in touch.

Email Burnbake Prison Art Project

I find my artwork very therapeutic, especially here in prison, and I cannot thank you enough really for this opportunity.

Burnbake Art Project user

How you can help

Would you like to get more involved with our work? We can’t do what we do without our supporters and fundraisers, whether that is running a fundraising event or taking part in one of our public events, or volunteering your time and working alongside our clients. Please get in touch to find out how to be involved.

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Donate

We rely on donations to continue our life-changing work providing care and support to homeless adults, young people, veterans and those with learning disabilities. We can do this because of the kind generosity of our supporters. Every penny you give will help us to support someone in need.

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