2024-03-31-accounts - Prodigal Arts

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Charity no. 1169287

Prodigal Arts Receipts and Payments Accounts 31 March 2024

Prodigal Arts

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2024 Charity number 1169287 Registered office and The Studio operational address Suite 322 179 Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2AG Trustees The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Andrew Street Chair Nicolas Ruff Treasurer Richard Hiscoke Reverend Neil Thorogood appointed 13 May 2024 Peter Gifford resigned 31 Dec 2023 Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited examiners Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

Prodigal Arts

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements and the constitution.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the CIO are to:

Promote the rehabilitation of offenders and ex-offenders; and
Prevent or relieve poverty or financial hardship among offenders; and ex-offenders, in particular but not exclusively by, the provision of equipment and training in art, and the provision of a mentoring programme, with the aim of helping offenders and ex-offenders to realise their creative talent and acquire creative skills which will assist them with re-integrating into the community, developing a responsible work ethic, and provide them with links to employment opportunities.

Prodigal Arts is a charity working with talented artistic offenders with a view to helping their rehabilitation through the arts. The skills of our ‘Creatives on The Out’ (COTO) and ‘Creatives on the In’ (COTI) have been developed through various projects during the financial period.

Message from the Chair of Trustees

Prodigal Arts is now into its eighth year since formally being registered as a CIO with the Charity Commission. It’s been a privilege to have been a trustee and Chair of the charity for all of that time. Over that period, we have had to face the challenges of Covid, where for a period of two years we weren’t able to access prisons to run art sessions in person. I’m pleased to say that we have been more than able to survive that period and have some confidence that we are now well placed to achieve further growth in our reach.

The impact of Covid forced us to develop our ‘Creatives on the Out’ programme, where in addition to our original work, we now offer very effective support to those that are back out in the community and would benefit from ongoing mentoring and encouragement. The examples of artwork that have been included in this report are from both contexts, and I’m sure you will agree clearly show the significant talent of the people we work with.

Alongside our online marketing of artwork for the public to purchase we also convene an exhibition for invited guests, which we now hold at least annually. These events are well supported and provide the opportunity to showcase some of the excellent work but also provide positive feedback to the artists confirming that their work is valued and appreciated. This is a key part of improving their wellbeing and sense of worth. The impact of reducing reoffending is also clearly evident.

We’re committed to seeing further growth in the work of Prodigal Arts, with the exploration of partnerships as a key part of increasing our reach and impact. We’re therefore excited about the future of the charity, and I would wish to express my gratitude to all those that support and deliver our work – the staff team, volunteers, funders, purchasers of artwork and also my fellow trustees.

Achievements and Performance

Our ‘Creatives on The Out’ rolling programme

This is aimed at artists that we originally worked with in prison, who are leading meaningful crime-free lives back in the community, and engaging with art and our COTO rolling creative mentoring programme. The main projects during the financial year were:

Bristol Diversity Project (April 2023)

This project invited artists to create work celebrating Bristol’s rich cultural diversity. Participants were encouraged to explore the theme through various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art.

Experimenting with Abstract Painting (October 2023)

The artists were tasked with exploring unconventional methods of using paint to create expressive and unique artworks. The focus was on challenging traditional painting methods while integrating elements from both reality and imagination. Artists also engaged in collaborative group pieces. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of community, inspired new approaches, and encouraged the development of artistic skills through shared experiences and mutual support.

Collage Project (January 2024)

The artists were asked to explore the expressive potential of collage through two key approaches: Matisse-style ‘shape’ collage and found image/magazine collage.

By exploring different techniques and repurposing materials, artists could discover fresh ways to express ideas and emotions.

Collage Green by Andrew

Our In-prison COTI art programme

We continued delivering our weekly artistic coaching in HMP Leyhill (category D), as well as restarting our weekly art class in HMP Bristol (category B) from May 2023.

New ‘umbrella’ project’s themes are introduced periodically for all artists to explore on top of, or as part of their own practice, these help to encourage artists who are unsure on what themes to explore within their work.

COTI Projects

Though the year, COTI were tasked with exploring a range of artistic forms for expression, including. Abstract Painting / Drawing, Marbling, Clay Sculptures / Hand Ceramics, Collage, Papier Mâché Sculptures, Wire Sculptures, Printmaking Techniques (Relief Printing – Mono, Lino, Gel Plate), Mural Design, Paper Folding and Origami, Landscape Painting / Drawing, Line Drawing, Repurposing Found Objects into Art, Botanical Illustration, Graphic Design and Logo Design, Portraiture, and Geometric Art.

Key Café Logo Project

A unique and exciting project emerged through a collaboration with two chefs establishing a café designed to support inmates from HMP Bristol in their transition back into society.

However, our initial involvement focused on designing the Key Café logo , which will be featured across all branding and prominently displayed above the café entrance, for which we organised a competition within the prison with prison approved prizes.

Exhibitions, other activities and projects

Unfortunately, unforeseen landlord building works around our previous office led to prolonged inaccessibility to the office and an inability to successfully run exhibitions at our desired frequency during this period. However, in January 2024 we did run one exciting exhibition:

Bristol Diversity Exhibition – January 2024

‘Step into the world of Bristol Diversity’ , was an inspiring exhibition celebrating the vibrant and diverse culture of the city and the return of our in-person art sessions within the prison system.

The exhibition and artworks highlighted key moments such as the Bristol Bus Boycott . It celebrated the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to its vibrant street art scene, while also reflecting on Bristol’s legacy of social change and artistic activism. Participants explored themes of justice and identity (inspired by Banksy ), alongside creative interpretations of cultural events like the Balloon Fiesta , symbolizing freedom and unity, and the lively St Paul’s Carnival , which celebrates African-Caribbean culture and heritage.

Featuring works from individuals both inside the prison system (including from artists at HMP Eastwood Park , the regional women’s prison) and post-release, Bristol Diversity highlighted the transformative power of art in connecting communities and inspiring meaningful change. This exhibition was particularly significant as it was the first to feature work from both artists currently in prison and those on the outside, as well as for the first time including work of female artists.

Commissions

As well as the regular work based around themes and workshops we are excited to receive specific commissions from various organisations and individuals. These reinforce to our artists their value and self-worth alongside recognition of the quality of their artwork.

February 2024 – Commission for Centre for Criminology University of Oxford

An Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Oxford commissioned one of our resident artists from Leyhill to create a bespoke A1 size piece of artwork. The piece was inspired by Restoring Hope , an original work by former Prodigal artist Steve.

Positioned as the first piece visitors encounter upon arrival, the artwork creates a powerful and inspiring visual statement, reflecting themes of restoration and hope.

The finished commission for the Centre for Criminology was an acrylic painting on canvas by P.S. and can be seen opposite.

Post year commissions

October 2024 - Kindred Agency for Probation Service with Prodigal Arts

A commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and led by the Kindred Agency to support a recruitment campaign to encourage individuals to pursue careers in the Probation Service.

Two of our COTO Artists were commissioned to prepare cards, inspired by quotes from actual probation staff. 1,000 impactful cards featuring the artwork were printed and distributed across the UK and have already sold out and more have been ordered.

Post year activities

June 2024 – New artist in residence

As the charity has grown, we have welcomed a new artist to the team to enable us to continue delivering at HMP Bristol and HMP Leyhill.

September 2024 Exhibition – Vibrant Abstracts

This exhibition was full of work that delves into the realms of colour and form. As we have expanded into more prisons and tried to make our classes as inclusive as possible a whole new array of expressive, colourful artworks emerged.

November 2024 – Display at Radical Roasters Coffee Shop

Bristol coffee shop and coffee roastery, Radical Roasters, invited us to display 9 pieces of artwork including both originals and A3 prints. The art is available to purchase directly at the coffee shop.

December 2024 - Christmas cards on sale at Bristol Cathedral gift shop.

Bristol Cathedral approached us requesting a selection of our Christmas cards to be sold in the Cathedral Gift Shop.

December 2024 – Stall at winter market

We hosted a stall selling cards and prints at a local Christmas market at Future Leap in Bristol. The market was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the charity locally.

January 2025 - HMP Eastwood Park

Over the last year we have worked with staff at HMP Eastwood Park and have now secured approval to begin delivering a weekly art session at this women’s prison. These sessions will provide therapeutic art activities for women facing mental health challenges or who may pose a risk to others within the prison environment. This important initiative launched in January 2025 , supported by a talented new female Artist-in-Residence , who will lead this exciting new addition to our range of inprison art delivery.

Our impact can also be demonstrated from following quotes:

“ You can't call art a rehabilitation! It's much deeper .” K.E June 2023

“ Having left prison some three years ago I often reflect on the positive steps I have since taken. It hasn’t been an easy ride for many reasons, but equally it has been somewhat rewarding. My health has been difficult to deal with – as the limited few will know – but between the pain there has been some positives. I also often reflect on my life in prison when I felt “spent” with just my art to rely on. During this reflection I think about those still in prison, the ones that took my place who now only have art and creativity to get by. The driving seat to all this reflection has to belong to Prodigal Arts – especially Elliot. Elliot has challenged my pencils to go to places they’ve never been to before and to explore difficult situations. Having said that, it has rewarded me with a different way of thinking, an outlet of consideration for others. ” Andrew July 2023

“ Participating has helped me with confidence. Receiving tips and trying new things alongside likeminded people gives me the confidence to show other people what I've done. ” P.S June 2023

“ I don't have any outlets or support in place. I have bipolar & feel art is a good thing for me. Just never had a chance to do much other than being in prison ” M.W March 2024

“ Brings out talent that some may not know about and how to tackle problematic situations in life and put your mind in Art ” A.A March 2024

Public benefit

The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Financial Review

We are very grateful for the generosity of the grant-making trusts who have funded our work over the year. Without their support, Prodigal Arts would not be able to support the artists whose lives are impacted, as expressed by many of them in this report.

The charity's principal sources of funds are from grant-making charities, donations from individuals and from its own income generation, through artwork sales. This comprised of grant income and other donations of about £73,500 and income generation through artwork sales of £2,250. These streams of income comprise the following percentages of total receipts in the year of 97% and 3%, respectively.

Prodigal Arts aims to keep approximately three months running costs in reserves. This is also to cover emergency unexpected costs. We have met this target during the year ending 31 March 2024, and continue to do so.

The charity's main expenditure during the financial year related to the employment or engagement of:

Our artistic director who delivered all of the mentoring sessions with the ‘Artists on the Out’ as well as developing our work, once again mentoring artists inside prison. He also curates our exhibitions and works with our sales and marketing administrator in ongoing development of our website;
Our part time sales and marketing administrator who has responsibility for the planning and administration around exhibitions, promotes online sales through newsletters and social media posts, develops marketing material and gives general administrative support to the charity; and
An artistic mentor, who delivers most of the mentoring sessions in HMP Bristol and who has delivered some mentoring sessions in HMP Leyhill, when covering for the artistic director.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Richard Hiscoke

Richard Hiscoke, Trustee

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Prodigal Arts

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Prodigal Arts (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

William Guy Blake

Date: 30 January 2025 William Guy Blake ACA Member of the ICAEW

For and on behalf of:

Godfrey Wilson Limited

Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

Prodigal Arts

Receipts and payments account

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Receipts Grants from trusts Donations and legacies Sale of artwork: sales of original artwork Sale of artwork: sales of prints Sale of artwork: sale of cards Total receipts Payments Payroll expenses: total staff costs Office and mailbox rent Fundraising Art materials and equipment Other professional services Travel and accommodation Exhibition costs Contractor costs Office/general administrative expenses Art printing and framing IT and other equipment Commission to PA artists Insurances Bank charges Donation to Victim Support Website costs Phone costs Subtotal Repayment of trustee loans Total payments Net receipts Cash funds at 1 April 2023 Cash funds at 31 March 2024	Restricted £ 6,000 - - - - 6,000 1,249 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,249 - 1,249 4,751 - 4,751	Unrestricted £ 66,550 975 1,565 569 116 69,775 29,828 6,135 3,600 2,505 1,225 851 752 583 487 307 280 252 196 75 54 49 18 47,197 4,000 51,197 18,578 21,279 39,857	2024 Total £ 72,550 975 1,565 569 116 75,775 31,077 6,135 3,600 2,505 1,225 851 752 583 487 307 280 252 196 75 54 49 18 48,446 4,000 52,446 23,329 21,279 44,608	2023 Total £ 14,150 20,205 1,120 600 129 36,204 21,092 322 - - 1,165 34 728 - 526 285 - 1,014 196 79 51 24 43 25,559 - 25,559 10,645 10,634 21,279

All income and expenditure for the prior period was unrestricted.

Prodigal Arts

Statement of assets and liabilities

As at 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Cash funds
Cash at bank and in hand 44,608 21,279
Total cash funds 44,608 21,279
Cash funds
Restricted funds 4,751 -
Unrestricted funds
General funds 39,857 21,279
Total cash funds 44,608 21,279
----- End of picture text -----

Loans from trustees represent interest free loans provided by two trustees. The amount due to trustees at 31 March 2024 was £nil (2023: £4,000), as these were fully settled within the period.

Approved by the trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Richard Hiscoke

Richard Hiscoke, Trustee