To share examples of best practice in the teaching and learning of the creative arts in prisons internationally. To highlight and promote the creative work of our students and to acknowledge the work of our students and their teachers; and that those visiting the exhibition would gain a greater understanding of the prison artists as ‘whole persons’ and not just prisoners. To increase understanding and forge connections with colleagues and partners in prison Education Centres.
The ARR-project invited prisoners to tell their story behind a physical scar. The objective was to callenge stigma connected to imprisonment. By exhibiting narratives from the prisoners, they were in charge of their own biography. The prisoners participating in the ARR-project represent a diverse group with different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Thus, their stories of scars represent the prison population in participant countries – Norway, Ireland and Malawi. Stories and photos of scars are processed into finished works by professional artists, in most cases, in collaboration with the prisoner until completion of the exhibited work. The prisoners were velcome to exhibit their contribution as a final work unedited by others. The ARR-project’s aspiration was to promote understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of creative arts amongst prisoners, that those visiting the exhibition will gain a greater understanding of the prison artists as ‘whole persons’ and not just prisoners. We hoped to lessen the stereotyping and stigma of imprisonment. The audience could come to understand that if we continue to judge people by ‘the worst thing they ever did’, then there is no possibility for personal growth, development, and change.