Heroes & Role Models

Who do you admire? Who are your heroes? Who might inspire you to change? These are the questions that inmates at HMP Isis were asked by the Design Against Crime Research Centre in July 2022. Aside from their mums and loved ones, (heroes, nonetheless), role models from the worlds of music, sport, and design, as well as the likes of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, came up time and time again. These answers inspired the poster designs we created in collaboration with Design Against Crime Research Centre and Central Saint Martins.

These posters bring that list to life, coupled with rallying words and inspiring thoughts from each, and will be seen across the HMP Isis prison estate, on wings and walkways from October 2022. Of the 650 18-28 year old inmates, 70% are Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority, and though created for Black History Month, these posters seek to provide on-going inspiration, all year round. Linked to the need to see it, to be it, the series hopes to provide something positive to look at and look up to.

This marks the first output of our partnership with HMP Isis, the Design Against Crime Research Centre and CSM. 2023 will see the launch of Untold magazine created by prisoners and prison staff, as well as various education opportunities and collaborations between DACRC and UAL staff. Lastly, The Bromley Trust have provided a small training fund for People of Colour UAL art and design graduates who are interested in working in the prison and passing on their valuable skills.