Evaluation Title
Art on the Inside: How Do Prison Art Teachers Maintain Their Professional Practice as Artist?
Type of evaluation
Data type Qualitative
Evaluation Focus Distinctive contribution of Arts, Impact of arts-based approaches, Impact on institution, Personal development, Skills development
Key indicator Professional development
Methodologies Discussion, Questionnaires, Survey
Delivery methodology Action Research
Research limitations Limited time, Sample size
Summary of evaluation
This evaluation asks the question: how do prison art teachers actively seek out opportunity for development and advancement in their specialist field? It empowers the voice of eight prison art teachers as artists working within a broad context of custodial settings including young offender’s institutes, adult male prisons and a private women’s prison. Participants consider the impact of activities and continued professional development supported by the prison or direct employer upon their practice and professional standing. They also discuss the impact of such practice and development upon the learner and the profile of the arts within their respective institutions.
Key Quote
Some art teachers felt as if CPD in their own specialist area was often overlooked and there is a lack of opportunity to develop artistic skills within the workplace. All the teachers recognised the need to keep their practice updated and current, all desired to learn or develop new skills.
Total sample size
8- Male and Female Adult Art teachers working in prisons/YOIs
Available for Download
Info
Artform
Visual ArtsOrganisation
University of West LondonCJS Context
PrisonYoung Offenders Institute
Project venues
HMP Highdown
HMP Lewes
HMP/YOI Bronzefield
HMYOI Cookham Wood
HMYOI Wetherby
Region
Nationwide study with participants from prisons in: Leeds, Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Author
Sophie Nickeas
Conducted: June 2016 – August 2016
Published: August 2016
Type: Independent Report