TM Krishna. , Photo courtesy: Narendra Dangia
Sumansa Foundation hosted an art display at Puzhal Central Jail to mark one year of the ‘Art in Prisons’ initiative, which included performances and artworks created by incarcerated people.
Developed in collaboration with Project 39A, ‘Art in Prisons’ emphasizes the importance of creativity in people’s lives and hopes to make art practices accessible to all. The project creates a safe space for incarcerated people to express their artistic potential, and also gain opportunities to learn pottery and visual arts, including fine arts, music and theatre, which can potentially lead to their release. Can help them after. To enable students to make the sessions a regular part of their daily routine, a model has been worked out with the prison administration to ensure that participants receive compensation on days they attend classes.
The learning and training sessions have already encouraged dialogue on art practices among students.
TM Krishna during the Art in Prison program organized at Puzhal Central Jail recently. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Recent showcases included plays, musical performances and arts and crafts displays within the Puzhal Central Jail, which have been created and perfected by students incarcerated in the jail.
Plays were also performed in the Art in Prisons program. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Research has shown that arts programs have “a wide range of benefits” for prisoners and, among other aspects, allow them to “redefine their identity”. This inspires them to take ownership of their work and understand the skills they develop in the process.
Musician, writer and trustee of the Sumanasa Foundation, TM Krishna, says: “Prison is not a place that should be treated as separate from society. Art, which is part of our social landscape, should be accessible to prison inmates. I do not see this project as a rehabilitation program, but if prisoners feel that they have been enriched and changed, it is as a result of this project. Our philosophy is simple, everyone should be able to express themselves using the language of art. I feel very strongly that every prison should have an ‘Arts Block’ for visual arts, music, theater and dance. forenoon
As part of the ‘Art in Prisons’ initiative, a musical performance was organized at Puzhal Central Jail. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Swaminathan, a theater practitioner and facilitator of the programme, says: “It was amazing to see the transformation of a disparate group a year ago – till now, a team of ten artistes helping each other, enjoying each other’s company. Enjoying and working hard. Bring together a production. Theater facilitators visit prisons and provide many aspects of theater training by incorporating different methods and adapting them to the prison inmates, their psyche and circumstances. It was a learning experience for trainers and trainees alike.
The Art in Prisons initiative has not only provided a platform for incarcerated individuals to express their creativity, but has also shown the transformative power of art within prison walls. By fostering artistic talent, the project highlights the ability to develop new skills, self-discovery. and personal development through creative engagement.
published – October 17, 2024 06:30 PM IST
