Arts in prison, and the art of forgiveness
In 1993 Charlie Ryder took part in a demonstration to shut down the BNP headquarters in Welling, south-east London. The demonstration turned into a riot, and Charlie was sentenced to 16 months in prison for his part. While in prison Charlie wrote poetry, letters and art work, and now works for the Anne Peaker Centre, helping prisoners and using arts as a means of rehabilitation.
Charlie performed at Greenbelt 2008, a one-man show called Prison documenting his experience of the criminal justice system, and is passionate about the need for arts in prison, and about the art of forgiveness. Charlie was also given a Trust Greenbelt grant this year, for his work with the children of prisoners.
Earlier this week he appeared on Channel 4 News, asked to give his response to the story of Colin Pitchfork's artwork being removed from London's Royal Festival Hall. The background to the story is available here, and below is Charlie's interview.
