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The Transformation Power of Art

TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ART

An evening conversation about dignity, creativity and change

What is your experience of transformation within the prison system?

How does grace, forgiveness or new understanding transform us all?

Which challenges would you like to bring to us and the communities we belong to?

On Monday 12 October, three people working directly in prison ministry and rehabilitation will answer these questions. Each brings a completely different perspective grounded in what they've witnessed firsthand.

You'll hear from:

• Alex Day, Chaplain at HMP Coldingley (Diocese of Guildford)

• Theresa Chambers-Blaney, Art Educator, former Deputy Education Manager at HMP Coldingley

• Dez Brown, Trustee, Prison Fellowship

Hosted by The Very Reverend Bob Cooper, Dean of Guildford, this is a genuine conversation – not a lecture. You'll have time to ask your own questions.

Why come?

If you care about criminal justice, rehabilitation, sentencing reform, or how the justice system actually works – this is for you.

If you're interested in the role of creativity, faith and human dignity in driving real change – this is for you.

If you simply want to hear from people with direct experience of what transformation looks like – this is for you.

This isn't abstract discussion. These are people who've seen the system from the inside. They'll speak honestly about what works, what challenges exist, and what needs to change.

Taking place during Prisons Week, this evening connects the Transformations exhibition – artwork created by men in HMP Coldingley – with real conversation about justice, redemption, community and second chances.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Monday 12 October 2026 Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm Venue: Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP

Tickets: £5 per adult | FREE for students and unwaged visitors | Children under 5 free

BOOK YOUR TICKET

About the Transformations exhibition

Before the panel discussion, or return another day to experience the exhibition.

Transformations showcases artwork created by men in HMP Coldingley and demonstrates the profound impact that creative expression can have on prisoners, their families and the wider community.

Creating art within a prison environment presents unique challenges, but the works in the exhibition show what becomes possible when people are given opportunities for creativity, reflection and self-expression.

By bringing these works into the Cathedral, Transformations invites you to encounter the artists through their creativity and to reflect on questions of human dignity, forgiveness, hope and transformation.

Exhibition dates: Tuesday 8 September to Monday 19 October 2026 Opening hours: Daily 8.00am to 6.00pm (extended to 7.30pm on Thursdays) Admission: Free. All are welcome.

ABOUT THE PANELLISTS

Alex Day Chaplain at HMP Coldingley, Diocese of Guildford

Alex works daily with people inside the prison, witnessing what's possible when individuals are given space to create and reflect. He understands dignity in practice and the role that faith, creativity and human connection play in fostering transformation.

Theresa Chambers-Blaney Art Educator, former Deputy Education Manager at HMP Coldingley

Theresa taught art in the prison for years. She's seen what happens when people discover they can create something meaningful. She understands how creativity fosters self-discovery, dignity and hope.

Dez Brown Trustee, Prison Fellowship

Dez works in rehabilitation and knows firsthand how creativity and human connection contribute to real change. He understands the evidence about what reduces reoffending and what rehabilitation actually looks like in practice.

QUESTIONS?

For more information about the Transformations exhibition or the panel discussion, contact Mary Beal on [email protected]