Elise Archer,Minister for Corrections
It was my pleasure to open the annual Artists with Conviction exhibition last night, now in its 11th year.
The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘Unbuilding the Wall’ and entries were open to all prisoners within the Tasmania Prison Service, as well as offenders who are on Community Based Orders. Work completed by Department of Justice employees is also on display as part of the exhibition.
The theme of ‘Unbuilding the Wall’ was proposed by a female prisoner, and represents personal barriers which have been overcome and plans to move forward in life.
Importantly, allowing offenders to create art pieces and creative writing, and exhibit their work can be educational, therapeutic and personal, giving them the chance to rebuild their confidence and improve their communication skills – supporting our goal to support and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community.
In addition to the visual works on display, Libraries Tasmania also invited written submissions as another way for participants to express their interpretation of ‘Unbuilding the Wall.’ These have been collated in a booklet that has been printed by 26TEN as part of its support of Artists with Conviction.
I congratulate those prisoners, Community Corrections clients and staff artists who have work included in the exhibition, and also to the Correctional staff members, Libraries Tasmania staff, sponsors and volunteers who have made this event possible.
The exhibition is being held at the Derwent Valley Arts Centre, which is situated in the Barracks building in Willow Court at New Norfolk, and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm through until Sunday, 28 November 2021.
