Vocalise Magazine - Spring 2024
We were delighted to speak with Vocalise Bristol for their Spring 2024 edition and sharing more about what we do. See the interactive magazine feature here and the article below…
Two women coming together harnessing their many musical and healing skills to create a cutting-edge integrative Arts organisation. To facilitate therapeutic interventions for Women at Risk in the South West.
VITAL BEATS began working in HMP Eastwood Park women's prison in 2015. They have devised a hugely successful model using Drum, Reflective Practice and Song. VITAL BEATS have worked diligently and consistently on the PIPE (psychologically informed planned environment) sharing these practices with Women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, serving extended sentences. Partnering with several organisations. VITAL BEATS have also supported Women who have experienced the criminal justice system for a variety of reasons. Some are Women who have lost custody of their children, Women escaping abusive relationships seeking refuge in Women's centres across the South West, Women in recovery from drug addictions and many more. VITAL BEATS have shared their Artforms with refugee groups, feminine gatherings, mental health support groups, festival attendees, general community, but first and foremost their work prioritises, and they are honoured to work with the most marginalized and at-risk women in our society.
VITAL BEATS has just become a Charity in recognition of the services they provide. Down to themselves and their devoted trustees, and after three rounds of Arts Council Funding, they are now officially a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Finally validating all their hard work, devotion and dedication over many years and proving themselves to have a high and consistent standard of excellence within potentially highly challenging environments like the criminal justice system.
Both Artists have worked on the Bristol and London Arts scene individually, together and with other collaborators for many years. Creating bespoke workshops catering to the individual needs of their clients.
VITAL BEATS as a team have created a synergy that has a naturally positive and uplifting effect.
Hearts open as they share their sheer love of the art of music making. The experience can be transformative as the sound waves are absorbed within the body. I've experienced their sessions in a variety of circumstances and one always walks or skips or dances away from them, all the better for crossing their paths.
So it is particularly auspicious that we get to feature VITAL BEATS in this particular edition of Vocalise as we start to roll out as Bristol's Grass Roots Arts Culture & wellbeing magazine along with our usual great local features. As VITAL BEATS have recently gained charitable status they have the 'Wellbeing, Arts & Culture' stamp all over them.
“It is a natural birthright for human beings to take part in soul enriching activities. VITAL BEATS are privileged to be able to initiate this work and use ancient Art forms as a unique, Vital and powerful tool to help transform the lives of Woman in the Criminal justice system”
VITAL BEATS have a trauma informed approach when creating their workshops. Socially creative activities form an important part of the rehabilitation process for incarcerated women who's needs for rehabilitation are too often.
Vital Beats are keen to work with other charities & Artists interested in supporting Women at risk.They have some exciting NEW collaborations taking place in the coming months. These include designing a new Artistic pedagogy to incorporate visual arts into their delivery model as well as building on their poetry, songwriting and rhythmic workshops.
Message from Vital Beats
"We're really open to anyone who wants to volunteer for us, invest in or sponsor us - there's a donate button on the website!'
Looking forward into 2024 & beyond, Kirby & Chloe aim to expand this work to other Women's prisons in the UK as well as finding new Vital Beats practitioners. If you think that's you then please email your CV to vitalbeats8@ gmail.com. Woven in is their inspired nonjudgmental way of delivering this MEDICINE.
They also envelop participants in & out of the CJS, with absolute unconditional joy & laughter which they simply ooze. Real heartfelt laughter that reaches your soul. Which I think is a big part of the success they are finding which does truly make them cutting edge! Producing Beats that are Vital - in my experience!
Vital Beats have recently opened their dance strand and welcomed Penny!
A well established dance practitioner, part of the fabric of Bristols cultural Arts scene who participants describe as 'Pure Sunshine!' Freedom soul dance on insta. Amongst a fine selection of other female performers ranging over many disciplines.
From singer/songwriters, composers, vocalists. CHLOE the songstress offers singing classes. She stirs sound out of a person extracting noises you would never expect to be conjured out of yourself during her warm ups. Pulling out your inner voice whether the individual is just finding their voice or are already singing and are after more technical advice. She offers sessions called Creative Catalyst. 3 X 1.5 hour one to one singing sessions to inspire and catalyze your vocal journey of expression!
For simply years, whether in London or Bristol, Kirby has been running weekly drum sessions for all peoples who want to feel good through Drumming. She blends her own dynamic compositions with meditative heartbeat rhythms and a lot of laughter. An eclectic group of people come together on a Tuesday night around the circle of light she creates. All abilities are welcome. Also on Move GB.
New and reformed performance bands are the 6 piece VITAL BEATS London Collective (A.K.A Cascada) & the 6 piece VITAL BEATS Bristol Collective (Tolo Ko Tolo) both groups feature dazzling all Female lineups banging out the tunes with a force to shake up the planet and offer waves of healing to everybody.
