A charity is assisting in the rehabilitation of prisoners by providing them with the opportunity to create and sell their own artwork. The Prison Art Project scheme, supported by homeless charity ALABARÉ, allows participants to sell their work online, with artists receiving half of the profits.
Prisoners at HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire are among those who have created art for the scheme. Many participants have reported that creativity aids their mental health and wellbeing, and that producing artwork feels "rewarding".
Laura Joy from ALABARÉ stated that artwork offers individuals a chance for "meaningful activity towards rehabilitation and to support better choices." The remaining 50% of proceeds from sales are used to fund art materials for other participants in the scheme.
The project, which began in the 1970s, has seen over 3,000 participants. Currently, 100 artists from 37 prisons and young offender institutions across England and Wales are involved, with more than 1,500 pieces of art awaiting upload for online sale.