Building lives through an artistic community

This paper explores the role of arts projects within the Tasmanian Prison Service. It argues that ‘art’ is a vehicle to release untapped creativity within inmates. While not utilised as a therapeutic or rehabilitative model in this exercise the outcomes for a small number of inmates have been both therapeutic and arguably rehabilitative. Moreover, by allowing inmates to succeed in their own right a process of empowerment and a belief in themselves as capable of achieving in art, education, work and life has begun. This paper highlights the problems encountered in delivering a program in a maximum-security prison, not least of all the unrealistic expectations of the promoters of the program. Importantly, the successful learning experience for participants, promoters and artists has given all parties a new perspective.