Current Projects

Currently the company is engaged in several projects:

Ongoing Programmes

Talent 4..

In Autumn 2009 we received confirmation of funding towards a programme that will allow prisoners to re/define their life/work choices. Drawing on learning and vocation psychology, the science of aptitude and creative practice, this programme will enable participants to discover (a) what their innate talents are, and (b) what professions there are in which these aptitudes can most effectively play a part. Piloting of this programme has now begun.

The Truth About

We are in the early stages of a visual arts project which begins with the frightening statistics of overcrowding and mental health problems in Britain's prisons, and will involve a range of artists delivering their interpretations of the current situation in an exhibition context. (see more)

Special Projects

For Those Who Like to Say No - OCTOBER 2010

The Art of Engagement in Custodial Settings

Marking the publication of Chris Johnston’s book on working with difficult groups, Rideout presents two days of workshops on their creative practice.

Day One
Morning: The Creative Prison Revisited; a presentation on how prison design informs the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, based on Rideout's seminal project with Will Alsop.

Afternoon: Talent 4..; A Programme developed by Rideout for the discovery of personal potential and vocational self-determination, devised specifically for those adrift in prison. Talent 4.. is currently available to be booked now and will be available to purchase in 2011

Day Two
Morning: Saying Goodnight to the Bad Guy: making films in prisons. Two films will be shown: Bars made at HMP Dovegate, and In The Frame made at HMYOI Brinsford. These films were made with prisoners during which the participants devised and acted a 30-minute drama with Rideout's collaboration, using chromakey techniques allowing the simulation of life outside prison to be created in the edit.

Afternoon: The Science of Constructing Games & Exercises for Difficult Groups – a presentation on how to invent exercises and also make them work.


Venue one – in London: Tuesday October 12th and Wednesday 13th, 10-5pm. Holloway Road Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA

Venue two – in Birmingham: Wednesday October 20th and Thursday 21st, 10-5pm. BVSC, 138 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DR.

Cost; £75/£50 conc. (both days)
£45/£30 conc. (one day)

Fee includes the course, refreshments, plus a free copy of For Those Who Like To Say No by Chris Johnston, published by Nick Hern Books. A compendium of drama-based games and exercises for use in custodial and other community settings

Two free discretionary places are available on application to ex-offenders or others without funds.

To register a place on this course please email admin@rideout.org.uk

Cheshire Youth Offending Service

The company has recently been commissioned to produce a short training film for Cheshire Youth Offending Service. The film will be used as part of on-going staff development looking at issues of safeguarding children and young people.