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Podcast: Resolution

by FACT

Audio, Learning

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Introducing a new three-part podcast series in which we hear from those who have direct experiences of the UK justice system and educators, alongside artists who have contributed to the multiyear art and research project, Resolution.

FACT identifies the justice system as a collection of statutory, non-statutory and charitable agencies and organisations, with some responsible for upholding the law and some created to support justice affected communities.

Launched in 2019, Resolution expanded on FACT’s long history of working within the justice system, inviting four artists to collaborate with participants from prisons across Liverpool, Rochdale and York to create new artworks. The aim of the project is to explore how art can affect public attitudes and influence decision-making. Working alongside Liverpool John Moores University, over four years, our Learning team and invited artists have collaborated with imprisoned people, staff members, and those who influence decision-makers.

In Resolution, all artworks are presented in the gallery as part of our major exhibitions programme, and outputs and learnings are shared with relevant expert audiences: imprisoned participants, researchers, criminologists, and government representatives.

In a three-part podcast series, the project participants expand on their understanding of the justice system, the impact they are trying to create through their day-to-day work, and the potential positive outcomes of such projects.

Mentions of those who are or have been imprisoned have had their names changed for confidentiality. Please be aware that some episodes contain mentions of abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and trauma.They are mentioned as part of the professional experience of one of the participants.

If you would like further support, please take a look at the following support resources:

Episode 1: The Criminal Justice System in Liverpool

View transcript

In Episode 1, we’re introduced to podcast host, Paul, who has direct experiences of the UK justice system. Having experienced imprisonment himself, he has also dedicated nine years to supporting incarcerated men within the system. Paul welcomes Dave to the podcast, a prison officer at Altcourse in Liverpool, and Rosie, a probation officer based in Liverpool since she started her career in the 1980’s. Both discuss the dehumanising effect that the justice system can have on already marginalised individuals, sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on their experiences of working within the system.

Please be aware that this episode addresses themes and content that may be upsetting to some listeners, including mentions of abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and trauma.

Episode 2: Arts and Education with the Criminal Justice System

View transcript

Episode 2 begins to highlight the outcomes of Resolution from two artists who have worked on the project — Melanie Crean and Katrina Palmer. The artists discuss the exhibitions presented at FACT and their unique creative approaches. Building on Episode 1, Rosie shares a poem she contributed to Katrina’s project, along with the inspiration behind it. Additionally, we hear from Helena, a lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, who is reshaping the educational landscape for students and academics who have experiences with the justice system by introducing courses centred around conversation, inclusion, and development.

Episode 3: Voice and Values

View transcript

In the final episode of the series, Helena returns to discuss the impact of her work, alongside other artistic and educational projects that are happening in and around Liverpool. Melanie and Rosie offer additional insights on Resolution. Host Paul also takes a moment to expand on his personal story, detailing how his life “has been transformed from offender to PhD student.”

About the Podcast Participants

Melanie Crean

Melanie is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in New York. Working with video, performance, social engagement and emerging technologies, Melanie frequently employs the use of myth and storytelling to investigate contemporary social issues, reimagine cultural archetypes and intervene in civic systems.

Paul Doke

Paul has developed theoretical, professional, and practical expertise concerning pertinent criminal justice issues regarding drug and alcohol (mis)use, rehabilitation, resettlement, complex needs, policing, social policy, desistance theory, and service provision for high risk offenders and is currently undertaking his PhD at Liverpool John Moores University. Paul has been actively working on the criminal justice offender pathway in Merseyside and throughout the North West for the past decade. He aspires to bring his hard-won lived experiences, academic insight, and practitioner knowledge to the forefront of cutting-edge research to influence and promote positive change within the criminal justice system, academia, and indeed the wider society.

Rosie Goodwin

Rosie retired as the Merseyside Assistant Chief Officer of National Probation Service in 2021 , and is now a sessional lecturer and advocate for women and children caught up in the criminal justice system.

Helena Gosling

Helena is a Reader in Criminal Justice and Social Policy, based in the School of Justice Studies at Liverpool John Moores University.

David McAlley

Dave is a Prison Officer at HMP Altcourse Prison.

Katrina Palmer

Katrina is an artist that produces written compositions and locates objects, bodies, and voices as covert material presences in narrativised contexts. Using an expanded conceptualisation of sculpture, she explores the edges of language, focusing on uncanny physical displacements, marginalisation and absence.

Credits & Acknowledgements

Produced, co-written, and edited by Olivia Graham

Hosted by Paul Doke

Music by Frank Johnson

Special thanks to guests Melanie Crean, Rosie Goodwin, Helena Gosling, David McAlley, and Katrina Palmer

This podcast is produced by FACT Liverpool as part of Resolution, an arts and research programme led by FACT, in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University and funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation.