Evaluation Title

Evaluation of Artlink Central in HMP & YOI Cornton Vale

Type of evaluation

Data type Qualitative and Quantitative

Evaluation Focus Behaviour change, Distinctive contribution of Arts, Self-Esteem, Well Being

Key indicators Attendance, Behavioural change, Completion rates, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Social and Life Skills, Well Being

Project output Arts-based workshops

Methodologies Feedback forms, Interviews

Research limitations Longer term impact

Summary of evaluation

This evaluation is based on the work of Artlink in HMP/YOI Cornton Vale from April 2008 to April 2009, as part of the Arts and Restorative Justice Programme introduced there in 2007. The first section of this report briefly reviews the relevant literature, which highlights the benefits of having prisoners involved in the arts - the second section then describes the findings from the current evaluation, based on interviews with participants, artists and prison staff. 
The main objectives of this work programme, like the original work set up in 2007, was to support the women in developing core life skills, increasing self-esteem, and improving well-being.

Project description

From April 2008 to April 2009, eleven courses took place, ranging from making ceramics and screen printing to samba music workshops, makeup workshops and radio plays. The courses take place over five days and normally take fifteen hours to complete. Over 110 people took part in eleven projects in Cornton Vale, 51 of whom (47%) attended the full course.


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