The Art of Desistance: Creativity, Culture, and Vocational Pathways Panel Discussion

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and the Department for Correctional Services
Join us as we explore the transformative power of the arts and how creative initiatives can foster personal growth, enhance social and emotional wellbeing, as well as provide valuable skills that can contribute to sustainable desistance from crime.
Our panel of speakers will share their experiences and first-hand knowledge of how the arts can be a catalyst for change, enable healing through storytelling, and offer a beacon of hope for people who are involved in criminal justice systems.
Panellists include:
Jeremy Ryder: Criminologist with a PhD from Flinders University, known for his work on public art exhibitions in prisons and his research on the impact of state punishment and criminal identities.
Cedric Varcoe: Ngarrindjeri and Narangga contemporary artist conducting painting workshops in prisons, fostering cultural and community connections, whilst inspiring young people to have a better outlook on life through creative expression.
Nicole Dwyer: CEO of Workskil Australia since 2012, leading initiatives like the Work Ready, Release Ready program to reduce reoffending through tailored education and employment support.
Hayley Mills: Deputy Chief Executive, Department for Correctional Services, accountable for the strategic development and delivery of Statewide Operations.
Shalom Almond: Award Winning Film Maker currently working on 'Songs Inside', a unique project involving women at the Adelaide Women's Prison, exploring the complexity of the lives of women in contact with the criminal justice system.
* Shalom will engage in the panel alongside Tina and Fabiann, who were involved in the project while they were in prison. They will reflect on the experience, as well as consider, what impact their involvement in the project has had on their lives, particularly now they are on the other side of the fence.
Facilitator, Emeritus Professor Rick Sarre: Former Dean of UniSA’s Law School, with extensive experience in law and criminology, a leader in civil liberties and Professorial Fellow of the Australian Institute of Police Management.
www.hawkecentre.unisa.edu.au

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From someone studying Art Therapy and interested in the serious growth of art in prisons, thanks for broadcasting this discussion....very insightful. Special thanks to Cedric for his rich contribution : )