The Importance Of Art In Prison

What would happen if we took the millions of people who are incarcerated in the United States and interjected art into their lives with the hopes, of rehabilitating them? What the success rate would be. What be any sort of distinction with someone who participates in cultural programs versus someone who doesn’t. With collaborative efforts, there can be programs that are put in place that will better these people who have, are and will struggle the rest of their lives.

There are several foundations that are trying to go about it more aggressively; some prisons now offer yoga and meditation, along with gardening. Sounds crazy; jail should sanction the offender, why though is the recidivism rate so astronomical in the United States? Why are

The prison systems went as far as to do a study that was extremely eye opening it was put out in 2016 regarding 51 men who participated in a prison based art program. Consequently, they had bona fide positive results and progress. Progress was made, there was more time in between their arrests upon release. The key here is giving the prisoners skills and coping mechanisms that in builds their self-confidence. The result of this study showed 40% of the participants were less likely to offend. (Bharma, 2017)

These programs are considered “multi-disciplinary” arts. There are 48 states that were participated in some form of art programs that were available in the US at one time, an art program that encourages participation from insiders and outsiders. (Johnson, 2008) With so many positives that come from these types of programs there are always pessimists who do not see any progress being made. Mr. Johnson from the University of West Georgia went on to say, “Correctional strategies have yet to prove their effectiveness in reducing reoffending”. These programs require multiple tweaks along the way however; with patience and genuine concern for rehabilitating these people it can be done. It is sad to say most of the programs in the US dwindled away in the 1980’s due to political agendas. (Johnson, 2008) Not much has been done to revive them. What is most frustrating is how widely popular these programs are in Europe

There are so many articles that talk about prisoners not getting their proper medications that they need; so why would you think they would be given any other tools for success? Some people leave prison feeling worse than when they arrived because they were not given the necessities Or, they have serious substance abuse issues then provide zero support in prison but are expected to abide by the probationary rules which expect them to go to drug counseling or abuse classes. Mind you, none of the habits are started on the inside, where requirements that need to be met are taught. There are so many creative ways the correctional system could offer help to these struggling individuals. Incorporating art alone or with drug and alcohol classes would certainly prove to be mindful coping mechanisms. This also would encourage healthy comradery and healthy hobbies that would hopefully carry on upon release. Art of any kind encourages the creative side in someone and provides an outlet that more than likely that person did not know