Home Ground creates space for women in the justice system to pause, nurture hope, activate social change and create better lives for themselves and future generations. On a Home Ground project, artists (inside and outside of prison) make creative works using dance, performance, photography, writing, painting and music to address the issues women and whānau face in the justice system.
At Home Ground, we believe in the power of creativity to amplify voices that are often unheard. Over the course of a three-day creative mission at Christchurch Women's Prison, we had the incredible opportunity to work with wāhine in the justice system, helping them express their perspectives and experiences through creative practice.
The overarching theme of our November workshop was peace. We began by reflecting on how we can each experience inner peace, and then expanded the idea to imagine what peace in Aotearoa and beyond might look like.
Guided by our prompt of peace, we explored a variety of art forms together—movement, collage, painting, pastels, poster making, and music. Throughout the workshop, we delved into themes of identity, resilience, and connection to whenua.
This collective work was created through a simple mark-making activity. Participants worked around a large piece of paper covering two tables, directing their attention solely to the colours and shapes they were making. This approach invited participants to move away from linear, logical ways of ‘seeing’ and allowed them to create with a greater sense of freedom.
At first, participants focused on their individual space on the paper, but as the activity progressed, they began to move around the table. While expanding their work, they also interacted with others. The experience fostered a sense of empowerment, presence, and trust, as participants focused on the creative process rather than the final outcome.
Later, participants chose themes that emerged in the collective artwork and developed them further to create their own individual pieces.
We use fresh flowers to create mandalas, which are often seen as a global symbol of peace. The mandalas were placed on top of watercolor artworks made by the participants, and then photographed. Each participant received a copy of their photographed work, which they could keep or send to whānau.
At the end of the project, each participant is given a bespoke workbook to take with them. This includes artworks from previous participants, wellbeing tips and tools, creative activities, and nature photography. Our hope is that the wāhine use these workbooks to continue their creative journeys and deepen their sense of identity.
During the workshop, participants were given the opportunity to respond to current social justice issues. As part of a reflection on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, they designed protest signs that carried powerful messages inspired by its values. These signs were not just decorative; they were tools for communicating important messages about justice, equity, and the impact of political decisions on wāhine within the justice system.
Each sign was designed to reflect the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, sparking reflection on how these principles affect the lives of wāhine today. The signs carried messages of hope, justice, and solidarity, alongside calls for respect and recognition of Māori sovereignty.
As we continue working together, let us honor the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support wāhine in the justice system as they find their voices and make them heard. Through creative collaboration, we can help bring about a future where justice, equity, and understanding form the foundation of our society.
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