Freedom Kahlo on Marlow FM
Listeners of Marlow FM this morning were introduced to an inspiring new initiative, #FreedomKahlo, an art collective for women, launching tomorrow in High Wycombe. The project, supported by Buckinghamshire New University, aims to create a safe, creative space for vulnerable women in the local community to explore art as a pathway to healing, empowerment, and social connection.
Appearing on air to discuss the project were Nicola Mallowan, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at BNU and former substance misuse probation service officer; Stephanie Tripolitaki, a local artist whose own creative journey helped her overcome challenges at school and improve her mental health; and Holly Mallowan, an art facilitator currently working with young people and a Fine Arts student at University Arts London.
They explained how #FreedomKahlo grew from both lived experience and academic research. Nicola, who has worked with people in the criminal justice system and in substance misuse programmes, highlighted the value of community-based support for women navigating vulnerability (whatever they may be). Steph spoke about how creativity transformed her own wellbeing, while Holly emphasised the power of art to build confidence and connection among young people.
Other team members, unable to join the broadcast, also play a central role. Katrina Heath, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at BNU, whose research showed that art therapy strengthens social bonds and boosts self-esteem, brings expertise in supporting people though art therapy, with substance misuse and brain injuries. Hiva Khoshandam, BNU alumni, will provide ongoing wellbeing monitoring to ensure the programme makes a measurable impact.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to a BNU Spring Innovation Grant, which provided start-up funding to develop the business. Sessions will run weekly at the university campus, free of charge to women across the community, no art experience required. Women can self-refer, with no expectation of regular attendance, and the programme is open to BNU staff and students as well.
BNU’s backing reflects its ethos of civic engagement, inclusion, and employability. As a civic university in the heart of High Wycombe, BNU emphasises its responsibility to improve lives beyond campus, support underrepresented groups, and connect students with opportunities that expand both learning and professional growth. Student placements will form part of the programme delivery, blending academic study with community impact.
The project also connects to the aims of the newly established Women’s Justice Board, created in January 2025 by the Labour government, to reduce the number of women in prison and develop community-based alternatives to custody. Nicola stressed that initiatives like #FreedomKahlo could help divert women from the criminal justice system by addressing root causes of vulnerability such as trauma, anxiety, and isolation.
The name #FreedomKahlo honours the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, whose art expressed resilience, identity, and womanhood in the face of immense personal pain and disability. Her legacy as a woman who transformed vulnerability into strength makes her an inspirational figure for the project.
Looking ahead, the #FreedomKahlo team plans to evaluate the impact of their sessions on wellbeing, social connectedness, and self-esteem, with hopes of expanding the initiative into a community- based alternative to custody. Discussions are already underway with BNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of Partnerships and the International Centre of Excellence in Islamabad, to explore the possibility of a satellite branch overseas.
Unfortunately, not all their requested songs could be aired today (due to obscurity!). These tracks including Jools Holland and Ruby Turner’s ‘Enjoy Yourself’ and BBC Proms Northern Soul’s ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’, exemplifying the spirit of joy, resilience, and renewal, the purpose of #FreedomKahlo: to give women space to connect, create, and rebuild.
The first #FreedomKahlo session begins on Wednesday 24 th September at Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe campus and runs from 12pm-2pm.
Listen to the show again by clicking the button and searching for the date 23-09-2025
