Creative Licence

Today, Birmingham Rep is proud to share a short film about our participation in Geese Theatre’s Creative Licence. A pilot project, which matched low risk offenders on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) with arts organisations to undertake work experience placements. 

Working in partnership with Unlock and HMP Oakwood, and funded generously by the Arts Council England, Creative Licence provided an opportunity for a wide spectrum of people to enter the arts sector, kick-starting conversations about how we can begin to build bridges between prisons and the creative industries. 

Today’s short film captures some of John’s* placement at The Rep. HR Manager Tracey Wainwright comments: “It has been a fantastic learning experience for the organisation, and we have benefitted from John’s skills, and enthusiasm, he has made a genuine and valued contribution to the work of the organisation during his time with us.” 

The Rep is the first theatre to take part in the project and we hope our experience will forge a blueprint to encourage other theatres to participate in the project. 

For more information about the Creative Licence project, including access to the full film, a report by the Institute of Community Research and Development, and a blog by Arts Council England, please visit https://www.geese.co.uk.

*We have changed John’s name to protect their identity.