Prison exhibition project

The Anne Frank Prison Project was founded in 2002 in response to growing concern about racism and prejudice in prisons following the racist murder of Zahid Mubarak at HMYOI Feltham.

Since 2002, the project has visited over 40 institutions and is regarded as one of the most effective means of tackling this complex issue within the prison environment.

The objectives of the project are:

 

·       To educate prisoners and young offenders about the life of Anne Frank and the history of the Holocaust

 

·       To educate prisoners and young offenders about the dangers of racism, prejudice and discrimination in contemporary Britain

 

·       To challenge patterns of criminal behaviour by encouraging respect for self and others, individual responsibility, communication skills and empathetic thinking.

 

‘The project has proved to be a truly inspirational opportunity for inmates and staff. We look forward to welcoming the Anne Frank Trust back for further exhibitions and workshops.’  Teresa Colman,  Learning and Skills Team, HMP Peterborough. 

Exhibition

The central feature of the project is the exhibition A History for Today. This provides a vehicle for inmates and staff to think about and discuss historical and contemporary issues related to the story of Anne Frank. The exhibition encourages people to look closely at their own attitudes and to learn more about the dangers of racism and anti-Semitism. It also provides an opportunity for inmates and staff to think of ways of improving relations within the prison.

‘The exhibition made all of us think about the choices we make in life. I knew nothing about the Holocaust before the exhibition came to the prison and now think that every prisoner should learn about Anne Frank and this subject.’ Inmate, HMP Woodhill

Guide Training

At each prison, we train a team of between six and 20 inmates to become guides for the exhibition. We believe that prisoners respond much better to the exhibition when it is presented by members of their peer group. The guide training consists of an in-depth study of Anne Frank’s life, including the history of the Holocaust. It also develops communication and leadership skills.

‘We had never done anything like this before and it was nerve-wracking to speak in front of other prisoners and staff. But it was worth it and has made me more confident and determined to make a new start in life.’  Inmate, HMP Wandsworth

Meeting a Holocaust or genocide survivor

Wherever possible, we invite a Holocaust or genocide survivor to talk to inmates and staff who have taken part in the programme. Prisoners feel immensely honoured and humbled to meet with people who have gone through the most terrible suffering. For most prisoners taking part, this is an intensely moving and thought-provoking experience. We are extremely grateful to the survivors who have taken part in the programme including Eva Schloss, Eva Clarke, Steven Frank, Freddie Knoller and Rosie Schatzberger. 

‘Meeting Eva Schloss was amazing. I can’t believe the things that she went through. She talked so well to our group and we were privileged that she came to our prison.’ Inmate, HMP Guys Marsh

Workshops

Workshops offered to prisons now include performance poetry, delivered by renowned writer Leah Thorn, and Free 2 Choose, a debate-style workshop on human rights and democracy led by our Prison Exhibition Manager. The workshops provide an opportunity for inmates who want to get more involved in the project. Using different methods, they aim to strengthen understanding of the issues raised by the exhibition and, in particular, give a contemporary focus to the historical aspects of the programme.

Follow up and evaluation 

We always encourage prisons to carry out follow-up activities such as the production of magazine articles related to the story of Anne Frank or features for prison radio. We have also introduced a more in-depth evaluation framework based on Inspiring Learning for All (produced by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Association), which includes feedback from staff and prisoners.

Funders and partners

We are grateful for the ongoing support of prison governors, the Samuel Sebba Charitable Trust, the Rothschild Foundation and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

To find out more

If you would like to find out more about the project, or would like to book the exhibition for your institution, please contact:

Steve Gadd, Prison Project Manager: 020 7284 5858