Summer Insider Art featuring about 80 artworks is open for viewing at Fremantle Prison’s gallery space.
Insider Art is in its 19th year at this venue under a partnership between the Department of Justice and the World Heritage-listed prison.
The exhibitions feature artworks submitted from metropolitan and regional prisons which are available for sale to the public.
A large portion of the art on display is created by Aboriginal prisoners and explores First Nations styles and themes.
Next year the Insider Art exhibitions will be put on hold for at least 12 months because of building works at the gallery site.
However, the Department plans to exhibit prisoners’ art at an alternative venue in 2024.
“Prison art programs can play a vital part in the rehabilitation process by giving prisoners an outlet for creativity and personal development,” Department Director General Dr Adam Tomison said.
“It also gives Aboriginal prisoners the opportunity to connect with Culture and Country, contributing to their reintegration on release,” Dr Tomison said.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said there was a range of prisoner art classes available across the custodial estate, from recreational to structured Certificate-level courses and tertiary art studies.
“There are many talented artists in our care, some of whom picked up a paint brush for the first time while in prison,” Commissioner Royce said.
“Producing and exhibiting artworks can help prisoners reframe their identity in positive ways,” he said.
The Summer Insider Art exhibition runs until 28 January 2024.
