Minister for Corrections Wade Noonan has given $758,000 to boost an arts program critical to giving indigenous offenders a new chance at stable employment and reduce their likelihood of reoffending.
Mr Noonan announced the new funding today at the CONFINED 6 art exhibition as part of the Yalukit Wilum Ngargee Festival.
The exhibition shows 100 works 80 artists from the Statewide Indigenous Arts in Prison and Community Program.
The program, which will now continue for three more years, helps prisoners and offenders on community corrections orders connect with their family and Aboriginal culture and learn the skills to work in Australia’s indigenous arts industry.
Its funding, which was due to end in March, has been increased by 60 per cent a year to ensure the program can help more artists and work with them when they are released.
The exhibition is hosted by the City of Port Phillip at the St Kilda Town Hall Gallery. It will run until 18 February.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Wade Noonan
"The Andrews Labor Government is proud to ensure Statewide Indigenous Arts in Prison and Community Program can continue.’’
"The Andrews Labor Government is committed to a system that responds to the needs of Aboriginal prisoners and offenders. This program does just that.’’
"Supporting the cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal prisoners is critical to their rehabilitation and successful return to the community.’’
Reviewed 19 August 2020