Exhibiting works created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees at Alexander Maconochie Centre as part of their art program, the opening of the Dream Gallery at Flex by ISPT coincided with International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Tuesday 9 August.
The works displayed in the gallery, lobby and scattered throughout the building are for sale with the proceeds going to help detainees. A holding account will allow the detainees to have a nest egg upon their release; they are able to access a small amount while incarcerated. Of the sale, 95 per cent will go to the detainee’s account while five per cent is held to cover administration costs.
ACT Minister for Corrections Mick Gentleman said the program allows the artists the opportunity to express themselves, show off their skills and make steps towards their future, while the exhibition is a chance for the wider community to step together with Indigenous Australians on a path of reconciliation.
“We deliver a number of programs at the AMC to improve the cultural wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees with a view to reducing recidivism, strengthening families and enhancing cultural connectiveness,” Mr Gentleman said.
ISPT, a property management giant in Canberra, leases out spaces to retailers, community organisations and government departments. The exhibition at Flex is an extension of the Dream Gallery at 2 Constitution Avenue, which opened in 2019.
ISPT partnership specialist, Letitia Hope, says the company feels privileged to exhibit the artworks, and hopes it will encourage the artists to continue in the future.
“The artwork is incredible, but the stories behind it and what it means for people to be able to have an activity, to find that meaningful pursuit, is so important when they are in the situation they are in,” Ms Hope said.
In 2020-2021, it was estimated around 25 per cent of the detainee population at AMC identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. David Witham, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services unit leader at the AMC, said the popular program offers more than an activity for the detainees; it is ‘yarning by stealth’.
“It’s very important for us that people use their time wisely. It is good for people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to get involved in cultural activity that connects them to culture, keeps them connected to family and elders. It gives them a sense of pride,” Mr Witham said.
He said detainees having the ability to generate an income they can use for things like toiletries, tobacco and art supplies helps their families on the outside.
“By giving them the opportunity to sell art while they are in custody and to be able access some of that money, reduces them putting pressure on their families to send them money. Their families who are doing it harder than they are, that’s a key is to take that pressure off the families.”
While there is no cut and dried method for helping detainees remain out of incarceration after their release, Mr Witham said the team at AMC are always willing to support them when they are ready to put in the hard work.
“A lot of the people that we work with have been in the system for a very long time; they are very entrenched in the system. There is no easy solution in reducing the return to custody rate, but we just chip away at it and support them the best we can.”
The Dream Galleries at Flex and 2 Constitution Avenue are open to the public in the lobby areas.
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