Media Release for immediate use: Tuesday 8 May 2007 – (2 pages)

Prison art auction raises more than $30,000 for at-risk families

Artworks created by Canterbury prisoners as part of a Department of Corrections rehabilitation programme, have raised more than $30,000 for the Family Help Trust - an agency committed to helping the children of at-risk families in Canterbury.

More than 100 works went under Auctioneer Bryan Andrews’ hammer in front of 15 prisoner artists and more than 100 members of the public at Christchurch Prison last Friday night.

Department of Corrections Southern Regional Manager Paul Monk says he is extremely impressed with the quality of the work the prisoners have done.

"We’re delighted to be able to be part of a project such as this one. It not only produces such impressive art work, but also provides the prisoners with an incentive to be creative and make great use of their time doing something they enjoy," he says.

"Several prisoners have told me they never knew they had an artistic bone in their body until they came to prison, but since then have discovered a real passion for art. Discovering a new talent, albeit in unusual circumstances, has to be a positive thing."

Family Help Trust Director Libby Robins says the money raised will certainly go to good use.

“The money will be used for the core services of the Family Help Trust. We will continue to promote our preventative services to Canterbury families in high-risk situations,” she says.

“The Family Help Trust would be very keen to see another auction of this kind run again, especially if it benefits prisoner motivation. Art is certainly an important part of both rehabilitation and post-release community reintegration.”

Mr Monk says the successful event is a reflection of the great relationship between the Department of Corrections’ Canterbury prisons and the Family Help Trust.

“It also demonstrates the desire of our staff and prisoners to make a positive contribution to the Christchurch community," he says.

The top bid of the night was in excess of $5000.

ENDS

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