The artworks of Parklea inmates have returned to the walls of St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst after their successful debut last year.
The idea for an art show was discussed several years ago with St Vincent’s art curator Alice McAuliffe, but Covid got in the way. The first show finally came together in August last year and was so well received it was decided to stage it again this year.
The exhibition opened on 19 September and features 32 artworks by 17 inmates with a range of skills and cultural backgrounds, including 11 who are Indigenous.
The show was put together by Alice and Parklea’s Cultural Adviser Maryam Suren. The frames for the paintings were made by inmates in the cabinet shop under the supervision of Overseers Guy Blinman and Mark Ward.
Governor Wayne Taylor said creative programs were an integral part of Parklea’s education and reducing reoffending strategies, and they help to improve inmates’ mental health and wellbeing.
“Our mission at Parklea is to run a safe, decent and secure prison that reduces reoffending and takes care of staff,” Governor Taylor said.
“We know from the feedback we get from the men who participate in art programs that it has a positive effect on their mental health and provides an outlet for them to express their feelings and creativity.
“It also gives them a sense of pride and improves their self-esteem and for Indigenous inmates it gives them a practical way to connect to their culture.
“This fantastic partnership with St Vincent’s enables inmates to showcase their talents in a public forum and will hopefully encourage them to continue with their art once they are released from prison.”
St Vincent’s has been providing care and ministry to inmates for almost 200 years, after five Sisters of Charity sailed from Dublin in 1839, specifically to work with prisoners in the new colony.
St Vincent’s Health Network has been our healthcare provider since 2019, when MTC began operating Parklea on behalf of Corrective Services NSW.
Canvas Of Hope: Artworks and stories of inmates inside Parklea Correctional Centre is on show until 19 November at the Xavier Building, foyer level, main St Vincent’s public hospital building, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. Artworks are for sale and inmates receive the majority of the proceeds, which will help them establish a new life when they leave prison.
