The ‘Behind the Wire’ prisoner art exhibition was officially opened to the public this week by the Minister for Correctional Services, the Hon John Elferink and Northern Territory Department of Correctional Services (NTDCS) Executive Director Correctional Operations, Rob Steer.

The exhibition is continuing its success and is now in its 14th year with the two week event being held at the historic Fannie Bay Gaol. The exhibition provides prisoners and detainees an opportunity to exhibit their works of art to the public.

NTDCS Executive Director Rob Steer commented: “Being involved in artwork provides prisoners with essential therapeutic and rehabilitative skills and forms an important part of the Department’s initiatives to reduce reoffending by providing prisoners with skills to gain employment and make a positive contribution to society upon their release.”

There are over 200 pieces of artwork on display this year prepared by prisoners from Darwin and Alice Springs Correctional Centres, Datjala Work Camp, Alice Springs and Don Dale Youth Detention Centres.

A number of items will also be displayed from Northern Territory Correctional Industries (NTCI) from the Darwin and Alice Springs Correctional Centres.  The products include a range of serviceable concepts such as chairs made from 44 gallon drums and timber, and items from the new Creative Arts Centre (coasters, chopping boards, plasma art).

There is also a display of Aboriginal prisoner artwork from Fannie Bay Gaol that was exhibited at the great Centennial International Exhibition in Melbourne during 1888-9. It provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Aboriginal person during 1888 in the Top End.

The reproductions are on permanent display in Fannie Bay Gaol B Block and depict the scenes of life the Aboriginal prisoners were living during this time.

NTDCS has a rich history and tradition regarding prisoner art. The evolutionary process of Indigenous art can be seen from the display of Aboriginal prisoner artwork of the 1888 pencil drawings from Fannie Bay Gaol to the modern art styles being produced in 2015.

The exhibition is free to the public and open daily from 10am to 3pm from 24 August to 4 September 2015.  Members of the public are able to purchase the artwork and goods produced by NTCI.

Particular thanks and appreciation should be given to the Department of Arts and Museum for the use of the historic Fannie Bay Gaol to exhibit the artworks.

Media Contact:
David Harris - 0400 342389