Creative Arts and Cultural Wellbeing Programmes in Prisons Evaluation (2022-2025)
Project lead: Tony O’Connor
From December 2022 to early-2025, the Creative Arts and Cultural Wellbeing Programmes in Prisons Initiative brought music, drama, storytelling, and toi Māori into 16 prison sites across Aotearoa. Funded through the government’s COVID Arts Recovery Programme, it supported 12 providers to deliver 15 programmes aimed at enhancing wellbeing, identity, and connection for people in Corrections care.
Although the initiative was cancelled before the evaluation was completed, early findings show it made a meaningful difference.
Why Arts and Culture Programmes in Prisons Matter
Arts programmes offer something rare in prison: a safe space for creative expression, cultural connection, and personal growth. Participants reported:
Improved emotional wellbeing and self-confidence
Stronger communication and relationship skills
A deeper sense of identity and cultural pride
Motivation to pursue further learning and rehabilitation
Corrections staff also noted reduced tension, improved behaviour, and better working environments. The programmes helped shift perceptions of both participants and staff toward hope, empathy, and possibility.
Evaluation Approach
Led by Tony O'Connor and Hector Kaiwai from Awa Associates, the evaluation used interviews, site visits, surveys, and literature reviews to assess outcomes and delivery. It highlighted the importance of culturally aligned content, trauma-informed practice, and flexible contracts that allow programmes to adapt to prison realities.
