Prison art programs: Art, culture and human rights for Indigenous prisoners

Abstract

This article argues that prison art programs are central to the human rights of Indigenous detainees. It examines how these programs are most commonly understood in terms of their rehabilitative value, an approach which fails to fully capture the right of Indigenous detainees to participation in them. It argues that a human rights framework should be applied to prison art programs. This recognises the pivotal role art programs play in realising a multitude of interconnected rights, upholds the voices of Indigenous prisoners and emphasises the crucial place of self-determination in the design, delivery and ultimate success of programs.