How can art projects benefit women in remand and why is it important to work with them?

A range of artwork from Christchurch Women's Prison, during a three-day creative adventure project delivered in the remand unit with 10 women.

Home Ground works in Arohata Prison and Christchurch Women's Prison. In the past (pre-2021), we conducted intensive performing arts projects that culminated in public performances. COVID-19 completely changed the way we work.

We were unable to enter any prison until 2023, so during this time, we developed a remote project featuring a bespoke workbook with written communication through our Post Office Mailbox.

When we were finally able to deliver projects, we had to redesign them to suit the prison 'remand' space. We created three-day initiatives focusing on creative practice, well-being techniques, and post-traumatic growth. Most of this work has been conducted in Christchurch Women's; you can read about our last project in "The Power of Creativity to Amplify Voices."

When someone is in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing, it's called being 'on remand'. People on remand are kept separate, in units or wings designated only for remand prisoners. This can be a challenging time, with many competing demands for the women. This really is the waiting space. Remand is considered one of the hardest places to work in the prison, and working with women on remand - even harder. For some workshops, we were only able to spend one hour with participants. This takes some super skills to break through the yell-talking and chaos in the the space.

A collective poem written about the way a creative workshop can make you feel. This was created on day one of a three day project, with nine women contributing a line each.

With so much taken away or strictly prohibited inside, frustration among the women is constantly high. That’s why practicing ‘getting grounded’ is so essential, finding ways to regulate your nervous system and survive the big waves of emotion happening inside.This is a big part of what we do at Home Ground.

When you’re incarcerated, you have to rely on Corrections officers for everything. If you aggravate the situation, it only makes your time inside harder. This is why having the opportunity to be creative is so vital—it gives women a way to express their feelings and share their stories without the fear of negative repercussions. 

Movement, singing and dancing is important to just move the energy and just mix it up. We use these creative tools to support learning how to work as a group. Lots of women haven’t worked in group during their time in prison, especially since Covid 19. 

There is so much talent in there, real creative gifts and wisdom, the things wahine are good at are overlooked because it’s not what is focused on. The focus is often on what needs to be fixed, rather than strengths they have.

Having the space to reimagine who and how you are, to calm down your hectic nervous system, to feel human, and to work towards the changes you want to see in your self can all happen in a creative space.

Working in remand provides women with a unique opportunity to explore there own artistic identity, learn some new wellbeing tools, meet the Home Ground crew and feel more 'human'. This experience not only prepares them for reintegration into the community but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection. By creating pathways for community engagement, women are empowered to take control of that can during the time they are in remand, and work with us upon their release. Our commitment to facilitating these connections is at the core of our mission, ensuring that every individual has the support they need to thrive in the community.