Hawke’s Bay Prisoner Artworks to Benefit Victim Support

18 June 2014

Hawke’s Bay Prisoner Artworks to Benefit Victim Support

Sales of prisoner artwork currently on show in Hasting’s Toimairangi Art Gallery will raise funds for Victim Support.

The exhibition Tauparapara (Settling of the Dust) features artwork from 20 prisoners in Hawkes Bay Regional Prison who contributed around 30 pieces of art to the exhibition.

Prison Manager George Massingham says art plays a contributing role in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

“Corrections’ goal is to reduce re-offending by 25% by 2017. Along with education, employment training and other rehabilitation programmes prisoners attend, art assists with prisoners’ rehabilitation.

“The artworks on show have been created by prisoners involved in a tikanga Maori programme, which teaches prisoners about their cultural identity and encourages them to address their offending.

“Through art, prisoners are able to practice and strengthen their communication skills, learn to work with others, set goals and understand the importance of patience,” Mr Massingham says.

The exhibition includes paintings, carvings and weaving.

Tikanga provider Wiki Turner, who tutored the prisoners, says the exhibition features a wonderful collection of works that reflects the exhibition’s title.

“The calibre of the work is very high and they all in some way reflect Tauparapara,” Ms Turner says.

The exhibition is on display in the Toimairangi Art Gallery until Tuesday 24 June. Entry is free.

All funds raised from the sale of artworks will go to Victim Support.

Exhibition details
What: Tauparapara (Settling of the Dust) Prisoner Art Exhibition
When: On now til Tuesday 24 June; 9am - 4pm Monday – Friday.
Where: Toimairangi Art Gallery, 705 Heretaunga Street West, Hastings

ENDS

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