St Vincent’s showcases artworks and stories of inmates inside Parklea Correctional Centre

23 Aug 2023

Artworks created by inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre have made their artistic debut at St Vincent’s art space, exhibiting until the end of September.

In collaboration with Parklea operators, MTC Australia, participants of the art, wood and metalwork program were given the opportunity to showcase their craft to people beyond the prison walls in the exhibition titled Canvas of Hope: Artworks and stories of inmates inside Parklea Correctional Centre.

Working with St Vincent’s Art Curator, Alice McAuliffe, the artists chose which pieces to exhibit, the first time any of the 24 artists involved had displayed their works in the public arena. Some described their curiosity to see what the community would make of it, and others were excited that their family and friends could visit the exhibition, and that they could share a part of themselves with the outside world.

The exhibition features more than 40 artworks, including a metal turtle sculpture that has been welded together and painted, with individual paintings placed inside the body.

The sculpture was created by four inmates over two months, with guidance from officers who provide training in the metal workshop. The artists spoke of the fulfilment they felt from using their imagination to produce something creative, and looking to the future, being able to use the skills they’d learned such as spray painting and welding, once they finish their sentence.

St Vincent’s has been providing primary health care and psychosocial support services to the custodial patients of Parklea Correctional Centre since 2019, and this exhibition is an extension of that care, providing the opportunity to share themselves as unique individuals that deserve respect.

“We are really proud, privileged and honoured for people to see something that we’ve created, so we wanted to put a lot of effort into it, and knowing hundreds of people are going to see it is pretty cool.”

Artworks are for sale and inmates receive the majority of the proceeds, which will help them establish a new life when they leave prison.

Canvas of Hope: Artworks and stories of inmates inside Parklea Correctional Centre is on now until 26 September.
Level 3 and 4, Xavier Building, St Vincent’s Hospital.