KIN

About KIN

What is it like to grow up with a mother or brother in prison? In Scotland, it’s estimated that over 27,000 young people are affected by the imprisonment of a parent every year. That’s more than the number of young people who grow up affected by divorce, but we just don’t talk about it. The stigma surrounding this issue can lead to young people feeling cut off from their families and from wider society. KIN is a close-knit arts collective of 14-25 year olds who have all lived through having a parent or sibling in prison. Turning stigma into solidarity, they have developed a distinct artistic voice.

Working in a range of different mediums, from apps to zines to films and photography, their artworks have resonated with people up and down the country, from policymakers at Holyrood to school groups and conference goers.

Being a part of KIN has shaped the lives of many of the young people involved, but their focus is not on any one person’s journey. Working to create social change, they want to alter the landscape for young people in the future who are affected by family imprisonment. As one KIN member pointed out, their vision to challenge stigma and offer support ‘is more powerful than our individual stories’.

“… you take yourself out of your comfort zone when you do new stuff like spoken work, writing poems. Obviously we all know we’ve been through the same thing but like getting our experience out there without saying what our experience is, is really good.”(KIN young person)

KIN is a call that demands a response. Read the KIN manifesto HERE.

If you or someone you know might be interested in joining this project, please contact project co-ordinator Rosie on rosie@voxliminis.co.uk, 07903 415 037.

Funders and Partners: