An evaluation of a series of arts-based interventions across the Scottish criminal justice system, focusing on the impact of engagement in these programmes on offenders’ attitudes and behaviours as well as their ability to learn.

The findings concentrate on examining the quality of the arts experience, the people and processes involved, literacy and engagement, increasing confidence and self-esteem and finally exploring desistance. it also includes a brief literature review of previous and current research in Arts in Prisons.

The evaluation criteria were linked to the outcomes identified in the national Strategy on the Management of Offenders (NSMO).

Inspiring Change involved arts-based projects from seven national companies: Scottish Opera, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, National Youth Choir of Scotland, Scottish Ensemble, Citizens Theatre, the Traverse Theatre and the National Galleries of Scotland, who provided a total of 12 projects in 5 Scottish prisons (Shotts, Barlinnie, Open Estate, Polmont and Greenock) with both male and female prisoners.

There is.....ample evidence of ‘secondary desistance’ - evidence of developing positive identities consistent with starting to move away from crime - from the analysis of the data from prisoners.