AN exhibition of prisoners’ artwork which ‘opens minds’ has gone on show at the Library until April.
Prisoners from HMP La Moye are offered art classes as part of an education programme, which the government says helps to prepare them for a successful reintegration with society.
Art teachers Jo Alm and Lucy Blackmore worked with inmates to develop pieces for the exhibition.
Ms Blackmore, who has worked for the Prison Service for 15 years, said: ‘The enthusiasm and talent among our prisoners is considerable and continues to grow every year. The chance to showcase their work is a way of motivating and engaging prisoners in creative activity.
‘This raises individual self-esteem and opens minds to engage in other educational opportunities and behaviour-management programmes, all geared towards helping prisoners to make life-improving decisions.
‘Combining this as part of a prisoners’ rehabilitation programme can act as a gateway to further learning through building confidence and self-esteem and contributes to reducing reoffending.’
The government said that research had revealed that art classes helped to increase prisoners’ motivation, social skills and resilience.
