Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

From Australia to Finland, from the UK to the US, from Russia to Guantanamo, prison arts programs have inspired creative works by prisoners of all ages and backgrounds. Although many prisoners have low levels of literacy, they can still be active in arts programs. From traditional painting and sculpting to inventive constructions using ‘found’ materials, prison artists express their “inner thoughts, fears and regrets.” Numerous studies report significant therapeutic and educational benefits from such programs. Inmates involved in arts programs demonstrate positive results in mood improvement, anger management and group behavior. Additionally, statistics suggest prison artists, who learn skills such as self-reflection, self-discipline and communication, have lower recidivism rates. Despite this history of prison art programs playing a positive role in rehabilitation, criminal justice scholars note a philosophical contradiction: “Prison is punitive, but creative activities are very rewarding. Prison is intended to strip power and deliver pain; art empowers and delivers happiness.” Also, many people see art programs as “luxuries” prisoners do not deserve. Over the years, prison arts programs have created bridges to the outside world by displaying prisoner art in public venues. As a result, prison art became popular with collectors and some artists received proceeds from sales of their work. This led to widespread controversy about prisoners profiting from their crimes, and in some cases, to laws prohibiting sales of prison art. This presentation explores the world of prison art, providing examples and comments from prison artists around the globe, and examining controversies surrounding the topic.