Art in Prisons: a sobering experience

The talk I attended was not about writing, though it was given by a writer. It was about people. It was about those the system failed, those who are imprisoned for their actions and what led to this sad situation.

The levels of illiteracy in our prison system are frankly ludicrous, and this man Alistair Fruish is one of only a handful of men and women trying to make a difference.

I learned that the prison system has its own TV stations, newspapers, and that men like Mr. Fruish work with the prisoners to make films, radio plays, works of fiction, to help develop and rehabilitate them.

This is good work, and I pray that it continues.


Ciaran Lovejoy

The best meal of the day

I am someone who perhaps more often than I should, espouses the benefits of a good breakfast. So when I walked into the discussion with Seb Emina on his book, "The Breakfast Bible" I was looking forward to spirited and rousing talk about the most important meal of the day. I was not disappointed.

Along with some highly jovial quips about breakfast, a straw poll of what ought be included in a Full English and witty anecdotes about the Shoreditch cereal shop, there was a section on what music one should listen to whilst boiling an egg.

Based on what I heard today, including a great deal about the history of breakfast cereals, I intend to buy myself a copy and get to reading. I recommend that you do the same.

Ciaran Lovejoy

Hearing the dissenters

I staggered into Clephan 3.03 yesterday with some piece by Bach stuck in my head, not knowing what to expect. My first foray into De Montfort's 2015 Cultural Exchanges Festival was a talk by Dr. Michael Paraskos, entitled: "Mise en Abyme: Anarchism, Art & Theology". The talk began with him discussing the nature of art. What can be called art? What purpose does art serve? Interesting, nuanced questions that invite discussion. He then delved deeper into the philosophy and history of art, linking it to thoughts on Marxism & Anarchism.

When he was done he opened the floor to questions from the audience, and I, puzzled by some of his comments, asked him a question about Cultural Marxism. His response was solemn and full of hope. He spoke of being pleased, and surprised to be here. He spoke of being allowed to share his thoughts, and his opinions, views far from the mainstream in academia that he felt would normally be opposed. 

This is what the festival is about, hearing the voices of those whom you would normally never hear. The marginalised, the silenced, the dissenters. I was more than pleased to witness this talk, I was honoured, and I hope Dr. Paraskos returns next year.

 

Ciaran Lovejoy

1, Too, 3 ... Go

There's a lot of be said about the upcoming Cultural Exchanges Festival 2015 here at De Montfort University. There's tons to see, plenty to do, some of it will be your cup of tea, some won't, but chances are, you'll be sorted for entertaining, culturally enlightening pieces.

You may have no particular fondness for certain guest speakers or poets laureate, but fear not for there's one event that everyone should attend.

As part of the Video Festival section of the Cultural Exchanges there is a one-hour video series entitled '1 Too 3'. It begins at 10am Thursday, 26th of February and ends at 6pm. It's on all day, so don't tell me you don't have the time! 

Also, as it's on a loop, you can turn up half-way through and just watch until it gets back to the part you came in at, so don't worry about being late (unless for whatever reason you decide to turn up at half-past 5...).

But wait, there's more! It's free! All you have to do is book a ticket, which you can do here. It takes place in the Clephan Building room 0.17 (Don't worry there are signs) so you have no excuse to not go! It's free, it's convenient, and chances are, it's gonna be good. :)

Ciaran Lovejoy