Creative disruptions: a descriptive study of art programs for and with teens in a British Columbia correctional institution

• Main Author: Cross, Carol
• Other Authors: Dalton, Robert C.
• Language: English; en
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: juvenile detention; art therapy
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1828/3592

This qualitative study utilizes the scholarly fields of art, critical pedagogy, adolescent development and research into the British Columbia juvenile justice system's governance and policies surrounding youth in care, in order to highlight art education in an alternate setting-a youth custody centre. Since arts-based programs for incarcerated teens exist in British Columbia, Canada, this study evaluates their efficacy as more than a pastime. There is currently a lack of scholarly research on Canadian youth living in correctional facilities, in particular research on the adolescent culture that exists inside the fence and locked doors. This study examines their lives and talents and draws attention to teens affected by crime and violence. Visual culture is an integral part of everyday lives and identities. Some forms of knowledge are more accessible while others are solely accessible through non-verbal means. This study utilizes visual art as a research tool to examine the potential of art programming to provide a safe place for experimentation and personal expression and the imponance of implementing sustainable community-based educational initiatives to support successful reintegration to society. I compare two programs: a traditional craft program and a progressive collaborative onc. Observational and interview data, action research and visual analysis provided insight to the adolescent sub-culture that exists within the prison setting, and reveals the potential of creative expression by the youthful inmates. The findings of this study provide information about edllcation and 'rehabilitation', specifically, the potential of an programs in non-traditional sites to aid in increasing self-esteem, emotional well-being and personal development. This was accomplished by engaging the youth in pro-social collaborative activities that utilize peer education and youth-driven initiatives. === Graduate