Making positive changes through art

27 March 2009
A stakeholder open day at the Northland Regional Corrections Facility, which showcased the artwork of staff and prisoners taking part in its art and cultural programmes, has already had some tangible benefits.

Programmes Manager Mark Lynds says several of the artists have received enquiries about major commissions for work once they are released from prison.

“Proceeds from the sale of cards from the open day’s graphic design workshop means we will soon be able to make another sizable contribution to a local charity. That was a really pleasing part of the event,” Mark says. “The staff and prisoners who took part in the display also gained a real insight into each other's art and both parties were really surprised at the hidden talent that exists within the facility.”

The aims of the open day were to engage community stakeholders, and also showcase the rehabilitative and re-integrative aspects of the art and cultural programmes at the Northland Regional Corrections Facility.

The theme for the day was "Hidden Talent", and paintings, graphic design, a mural project, drawing, cartooning, carving and a card project were displayed.

One of the programmes, Portfolios, was set up by art tutor Lory Avery in 2006, soon after the Northland Regional Corrections Facility was opened. It records and develops the students’ work into individual portfolios, which can be used by the prisoners to present and promote their work professionally when they are released from prison.

The open day started with a Mihi Whakatau held in the Pua Wananga, where  prisoners challenged and welcomed the visitors. Afterwards, the visitors split into groups and were escorted by staff members to the various display areas around the site.
 
Visitors were treated to a wide variety of art mediums and carvings. They also had the opportunity to meet and discuss the artworks with the artists – both the prisoners and staff.

Prisoners were very appreciative of the positive comments from the visitors. Well-known Northland artist Theresa Reihana, for instance, said she was astonished by the level of commitment and skill shown in the artworks.

In his address to the visitors, Prison Manager Jonathon Howe welcomed visitors to the open day and outlined some of the strategies to improve community links with the facility. “There is an opportunity for the prison to become more involved in the community and for the community to become more involved with the prison. Art can create positive links with our local communities”

A question and answer session with Mark Lynds and art tutor Lory Avery was held at the end of the day. Many of the visitors stood to acknowledge the positive mood of the day and comment on the commitment shown by the artists to making positive changes through art.