The arts are practised within the criminal justice system in many different ways. They take place in education classes within the prison system, via innovative voluntary sector organisations and self-practiced with extraordinary results. Arts and creativity in criminal justice settings can support improved wellbeing, awaken an interest in learning and can help people build new positive identities. Engaging in the arts can also lead to new skills and employment opportunities as well as equipping participants with a desire to actively engage in their community and culture.
Theatre, music, dance, visual art and creative writing have a long tradition of successfully empowering people in contact with the criminal justice system to turn their lives around and to help prevent re-offending, something which has been acknowledged by the government (Making Prisons Work, Skills For Rehabilitation [2011], Department for Business Innovation and Skills and Ministry of Justice). Here’s what Nick Hardwick, a former HM Chief Inspector of Prisons says about the impact of arts in prison:
"We all know from our personal experience how participating in, or creating, art has the possibility to change how we see the world and our place in it. This is true for prisoners too - and I have seen how great arts projects in prisons can play a crucial role in helping prisoners see a new crime-free future for themselves."
The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA)’s vision is to ensure the arts are used within the criminal justice system as a springboard for positive change. NCJAA provides a network to promote, develop and support high quality arts practice in criminal justice settings, influencing and informing government, commissioners and the public.
This introduction was written by the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance and is presented here with their kind permission.
For more information on the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance, see www.artsincriminaljustice.org.uk or contact artsalliance@clinks.org