art in prisons

Art in Prisons (AIP) is an initiative of Project 39A, in collaboration with Sumanasa Foundation, that enables access to art practices to people incarcerated in Indian prisons. The project creates a safe space for incarcerated people to express and build their artistic ability by gaining opportunities to practice arts ranging from pottery and fine arts, a variety of musical genres, to collective theatre performance. Research has shown that arts programs have “a wide range of benefits” for prisoners and, among other aspects, allows them to “re-define their identity”. Art in Prisons enables the right to artistic expression by creating a space for incarcerated participants to engage with art on their own terms.

Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has engaged incarcerated people in Chennai’s Puzhal Central Prison. A group of 22 art practitioners, who worked with incarcerated students as facilitators, have cultivated a real community within the prison environment. Together, they created an ‘Art Block’ in Puzhal Central Prison dedicated to ensuring incarcerated students could access art practices throughout the initiative’s duration. The program concluded in a showcase featuring artwork, pottery, performances, and more created collectively by facilitators and students.

The Art in Prisons initiative has not only provided a platform for incarcerated individuals to express their creativity but has also shown the transformative power of art within prison walls. By fostering artistic talent, the project highlights the potential for developing new skills, self-discovery, and personal growth through creative engagement.

“A prison shouldn't be seen as separate from society. Art, a part of our society, should be accessible to inmates. Our philosophy is simple: everyone should be able to express themselves through art.” TM Krishna, Sumanasa Foundation (Trustee)

Press coverage of the initiative can be found here.