The Things on my Mind by Tracy Atkins 2009

Locked away in the Darwin Correctional Centre (DCC), it’s easy to forget that the creative minds of many inmates continue to tick. But being incarcerated, even the most prolific artists would have a hard time reaching an audience. “Behind the Wire” aims to change this, with an annual exhibition of art from the inside, presented at Fannie Bay Gaol until December 6.

The exhibition has been running since 2002, and for the first time this year’s Behind the Wire will also include works by Alice Springs Correctional Centre inmates. Submissions are accepted from inmates enrolled in and attending the art education programs, and all proceeds earned from the sale of the works goes into a holding fund for Victims of Crime.

This year’s exhibition also includes a screening of five short films – collectively titled “The Forgotten Ones” – at the Museum theatrette on December 1.

“The idea for the Forgotten Ones came together after my working with literacy and numeracy students at DCC over a period of 5 years,” explains Angela Pattison, the initiator of the project. “To me it appears that prisoners are simply that: forgotten, to most of us on the outside. I wanted these five short films to help them speak out and have their say. In doing this, they could create a community awareness that they are still a very important part of the community themselves, and we need to help them re-establish themselves as worthwhile members.

“This involves them reinventing themselves as writers, song writers, musicians, artists, film makers, directors and editors; rather than simply prisoners – a label they deal with on a daily basis.”