As Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation and Minister for the Arts, it was my pleasure to last night open the annual Artists with Conviction exhibition which is now in its 12th consecutive year.
The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘Imagination’ and entries were open to all inmates, as well as those on community-based orders.
Work completed by Department of Justice employees is also on display as part of the exhibition.
The theme of ‘Imagination’ was suggested by a female inmate, and represents a number of things to those who have submitted works.
The experience of creating art pieces, engaging in creative writing and exhibiting their work can be educational as well as therapeutic for inmates and offenders especially.
It also gives them the chance to rebuild their confidence and improve their communication skills, and we know that these skills are vital for successful rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community.
In addition to the visual works on display, Libraries Tasmania also invited written submissions and these have been collated in a booklet that has been printed by 26TEN, as part of their support of Artists with Conviction.
I would like to recognise the contributions of Corrections staff, Libraries Tasmania staff, sponsors and volunteers who have made this event possible.
The exhibition being held at KickStart Arts, 12 St Johns Avenue New Town, is open from 11:00am until 4:00pm each day (excluding Sunday) until Friday, 25 November 2022.
