15 August 2023
Life, Artists on the Inside Exhibition: 2023 Judges Merit Award.
Inspiring artworks created by people incarcerated in prisons across South Australia will be exhibited at The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, University of South Australia.
Presented by the Hawke Centre and the Department for Correctional Services as part of the South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA), the exhibition Artists on the Inside provides a forum for people in custody to participate in the community as artists and to share their stories and creativity.
Through the medium of visual art, people who are incarcerated can experience an enhanced connection to themselves, their culture, and their community. It is also a chance for visitors to challenge their assumptions about people who are incarcerated and what can be achieved within a prison environment.
Executive Director – Offender Development at the Department for Correctional Services Darian Shephard-Bayly says South Australia has the lowest rate of reoffending in the nation. The Department is hoping to reach a target of 20% reduced reoffending by 2026.
Shephard-Bayly says art therapy is a great way to express and manage emotions, improve social connections and build hope for the future.
“Through producing art, prisoners can build resilience, discover new skills and strengths, share humour and express gratitude,” he says. “Art programs in prison have the potential to lower frustration levels, alleviate boredom and create connection.
“Prisoners get a sense of pride, and may find new identities and a sense of belonging when completing a piece of art. This, in turn, contributes to improving post-release outcomes.”
Visitors to the Hawke Centre are invited to engage in a dialogue with people in prison by voting for their favourite artwork as part of the People’s Choice Award and leaving a handwritten comment that can be shared with the artist.
Artists on the Inside is showing at The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre's Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, located on Level 3 of the Hawke Building, 55 North Terrace, UniSA City West Campus, until 30 August, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Free entry.
Media contacts:
Jacinta Thompson
Executive Director & Events and Exhibitions Producer: The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
M: +61 402 175 895 P: 08 8302 0651 E: Jacinta.Thompson@unisa.edu.au
Melissa Keogh – UniSA News and Communications M: +61 403 659 154 E:Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au
