The Dillon’s Cross Project provides educational and social support to partners and families affected by imprisonment. 

What Comes After Sorry? is the third phase of a collaborative creative project which uses creative writing, visual art and making to explore apology, accountability, safety and solidarity.

In 2023, Max Porter delivered a creative writing workshop with women in Dillon’s Cross as part of Sounds from a safe harbour Festival. Writing and drawings responding to the idea of an apology were developed into stitched designs using hand and machine embroidery, resulting in a wearable life jacket titled “Scéal Scaol”, symbolising security and solidarity.

In March 2025 a second workshop, built on the shared sea metaphor and the idea that “we are all in the same boat”. Participants designed a sail, while woodwork students in Cork Prison constructed both the boat and the sail frame. This work was later exhibited in Spike Island. 

Alongside these creative workshops, as part of an ongoing collaboration between UCC, Cork ETB, Cork Prison and the HSE, participants both within and without the prison engaged in Community-Based Mentoring programmes and Substance Misuse and Addiction modules, delivered with UCC lecturers. Now graduates of UCC, they return to the University to invite students, staff, alumni and the wider community to take part in the next phase of the project.

This interactive workshop will take place in UCC Library. Participants will be introduced to the project and invited to write an apology on a piece of fabric. These pieces will be tied together as bunting and draped from the sail, continuing the collective artwork and conversation.