Isla Callister
Isla Callister is a musician, performer, teacher and community facilitator who recently completed a Masters in music psychology.
Born on the Isle of Man, Isla is a Manx Gaelic speaker who draws upon her cultural heritage and the philosophies of folk music in her work with young people and adults in the prison system.
“Folk music often tells stories of power dynamics and the oppressed. This is inherent in folk and traditional music, and I think it’s interesting to consider this when taking folk music into prison. In my community work, I try to level the playing field and remove power dynamics. It’s about equality in the space, making sure everyone can contribute in the same way.”
“Music and the Arts are a very humanising thing. It has the ability to connect us to each other and create small changes. It is important that change is community-led.”