Unheard Voices

KITH & KINSHIP: UNHEARD VOICES

“I’ve not just seen these paintings but I’ve lived in them.” – HMP Deerbolt Learner

Unheard Voices is a collaborative project inspired by The Bowes Museum’s highly acclaimed and thought-provoking exhibition, Kith & Kinship: Norman Cornish & L. S. Lowry. Works by two of the greatest northern artists of 20th century depict the vivid realities of Cornish’s Spennymoor life and Lowry’s industrial views. Both artists had a deep understanding of humanity, and this connection to honesty, reality and expression resonated with unspoken experiences of those living within the walls of HMP Deerbolt today.

Through a series of creative workshops led by creative practitioner, Jonah York, learners discussed artwork from the exhibition they resonated with, sketched, and reflected through letters to themselves, their families and support networks. Responding to ideas of community, identity, and place, Unheard Voices has allowed young male adults impacted by the justice system to reshape the conversation about them through these iconic works, offering new and personal interpretations.

Over 15 male learners from HMP Deerbolt worked to create a zine and soundscape. In their words, it captures their “unheard voices”, “the voices people choose not to hear”. Using The Bowes Museum’s collection and upcoming exhibitions as a way of embedding literacy into artistic exploration, learners have been empowered to express themselves and engage with their peers, families, and the wider community while gaining crucial educational and life skills.

Through this project, the museum is providing a platform for voices of today to resonate with the art of the past, creating a narrative around place, hope and aspiration.

Unheard Voices is the first project in a co-production programme, set to continue until 2027, made possible by the generous support of The John Horseman Trust.

“…after all, we are all the victors, or victims, of life’s experience….” – Norman Cornish