Inmates art offered at auction for as much as $14,000

An exhibition designed to showcase the artistic talents of inmates also saw them pocket the cash to set themselves up once they’re free. See what they’ve been up to.

Inmates will controversially pocket as much as $14,000 for art they designed behind bars.

The works, including paintings of landscapes and animals, including a turtle, and a scene from inside a jail cell, were offered for sale at a recent exhibition.

More than 30 pieces were created by inmates at the privately-managed Parklea Correctional Centre, in a program designed to have them “express their feelings and creativity”.

But one victims’ rights advocate is furious buyers at the Sydney exhibition banner “Canvas of Hope” snapped up four pieces the prisoners will profit from.

Support After Murder founder Peter Rolfe said there were many victims’ families who struggled with day to day living that could use the money.

Inmates from Parklea prison are showcasing their artwork at an exhibition at St Vincent's Hospital.

“I’d call on them to donate the money to charity. I just feel that’s totally unfair for them to be setting themselves up for when they jail,” he said.

Mr Rolfe said many of the families he supported could barely cover the cost of travelling to court each day.

“It’s just ridiculous – I would just ask the powers that be to stop it. Artwork and painting for rehabilitation is one thing, but to secure their futures when they are out of jail is another,” he said.

Peter Rolfe, founder of Support after Murder.

MTC Australia, which manages the Parklea Correctional Centre, said there was a “significant investment” behind the creative programs that it used as part of its education and reducing reoffending strategies and to help inmates mental health and wellbeing.

“Earning money from their artworks not only provides inmates with an income, which helps them establish a new life when they leave prison, but also provides them with self-esteem and a sense of achievement,” the exhibition guide read.

A MTC spokeswoman said the exhibition was well received.

“The money they earn helps them establish a new life once they leave prison,” she said.

“The exhibition featured more than 30 artworks by inmates with a range of skills and cultural backgrounds, including 10 who are Indigenous,” she said.

Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor said in a statement on MTC’s website the inmates were provided free materials and tuition.

Inside Parklea Correctional Centre.

“It’s our duty is to support men of every background, and art allows people to express their feelings and creativity and gives them a sense of pride and improves their self-esteem,” he said.

“This fantastic art partnership with St Vincent’s enables inmates to showcase their talents in the public domain and hopefully give them new avenues to use their skills in a positive way once they are released from prison.”

The turtle was made by four inmates using a metal frame that has been welded together with painted panels, with individual paintings have been placed inside its body.

Arts Law research found a “distinct lack of clarity around prisoner art” in most states and territories but all had some form of rehabilitation art programs.

Originally published as Inmates art offered at auction for as much as $14,000