RT Article
T1 Dreaming Inside: An evaluation of a creative writing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in prison
JF The Australian and New Zealand journal of criminology
VO 53
IS 2
SP 285
OP 302
A1 Hanley, Natalia
A2 Marchetti, Elena 1969-
LA English
YR 2020
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1782251162
AB Arts-based prison programs are often viewed as hobbies or as activities that have little impact on prisoner rehabilitation according to conventional understandings of the term. This is despite growing evidence that arts-based programs can assist with learning retention and can improve self-confidence and ways of coping with emotions. Generally, arts practices have been found to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have grown up or live in urban areas with asserting and strengthening their cultural identity, but we know little about the effects of arts-based prison programs on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoner wellbeing. This article focuses on a creative writing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners at Junee Correctional Centre, New South Wales. The program, Dreaming Inside, has produced seven volumes of poetry and stories. This article combines and reports findings from two evaluations of the program, one using program feedback forms and the other using semi-structured interviews with prisoners who participated in the program. The themes that emerged from both evaluations affirm the program’s efficacy in improving prisoner self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing, and in reigniting and strengthening cultural engagement.
K1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
K1 Colonisation
K1 Creative writing
K1 Prison program
K1 Wellbeing
DO 10.1177/0004865820905894