Seven inmates showcased their amazing artwork at the Fiji Corrections Service New Life Art Exhibition at Grand Pacific Hotel last night.
While speaking at the event, Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says the inclusion of art in the rehabilitation of inmates in correction services is a worldwide trend and it is a fact that art has been mainstreamed into the rehabilitation work of correction centres.
Ratu Epeli says art and artistic expression have transformative powers that can help persons in correction centres develop hidden skills and unlock their potential to contribute to and succeed in their community.
He further says the Fiji Corrections Service is indeed moving in the right direction with the ‘ New Life Exhibition’ and for bringing the show outside the Tagimoucia Gallery in Korovou.
Ratu Epeli adds the art produced are aimed at attracting potential art lovers and helping them understand that even those who have fallen on the wrong side of the law still have much inner beauty and skills to express.
Ratu Epeli also says some graduates from the art and painting programmes of the corrections service have gone on to be outstanding artists outside prison, while some have won prizes in national and regional competitions.
