Something Different From Artists With Conviction

by James Marsten

Words: Sara Kirby

The phrase started with a strange and colourful painting. A resident at Risdon Prison had been attending classes to improve his literacy skills and, as the months passed, staff noticed a shift in his confidence. He was speaking up more, engaging more readily with others and showing a growing willingness to try new things.

One day he arrived carrying a canvas covered in intricate abstract shapes and colours. The inspiration, he explained, came from an artwork he had spotted “in the background of a fancy house in a movie.” A few days later there was another painting. Then another. Each time he presented a new work, he’d grin and announce it was “something different!”

Before long, staff began hearing the phrase more often. “Something different” became part of the everyday vernacular among the people in our care. An expression that was about trying something new, seeing things from a different perspective or stepping beyond familiar boundaries. For me, it came to represent something deeper: the courage to experiment, to take creative risks, to imagine new possibilities and, in some cases, to rediscover parts of yourself that had been long forgotten.

That spirit of growth and exploration became the inspiration for Artists with Conviction 2026: Something Different.

Most people are aware that prisons provide opportunities for rehabilitation, but you might not know that education, arts and literacy programs are an important part of this pathway. Alongside vocational training and formal education, creative programs give participants opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, express themselves and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Each year, Artists with Conviction showcases some of this work, offering the wider community a rare glimpse into the creativity, talent and personal growth taking place within Tasmania’s correctional system.

Held at the Long Gallery in Salamanca Arts Centre from 26 September to 4 October, Artists with Conviction features artwork and writing created by people connected to the Tasmania Prison Service, including prisoners, individuals on parole or community corrections orders, and Department of Justice staff.

Visitors can expect an eclectic and thought-provoking exhibition that reflects a range of creative interests and experiences. Among the highlights is Different Voices, a sound installation featuring spoken reflections from people currently serving sentences. The exhibition will also include a short film with original music, hundreds of colourful handmade paper flowers, a large wooden stand-up paddle board, a miniature gallery, zines exploring a range of curious and personal topics, and large-scale poems suspended throughout the gallery space.

Artists with Conviction features a published book of poetry and many artworks will be available for purchase, with all proceeds returned directly to the artists.

Beyond celebrating artistic and literary achievement, the exhibition highlights the important role that creative and educational programs can play in supporting personal development. For many participants, involvement in art, literacy and cultural activities can foster confidence, encourage positive behaviour, strengthen communication skills and create pathways to further learning opportunities.

Those interested in learning more about what happens behind the scenes are invited to attend a public panel discussion at the Long Gallery on Sunday 27 September.

The panel will include photographer and volunteer Peter Marseveen; Sam Leishman, who leads the prison knitting group Great Balls of Fibre; and Tasmania Prison Service staff. The panel will talk about creative and educational programs as catalysts for change and share insights and stories about how participation can influence learning, behaviour and personal growth.

Artists with Conviction: Something Different runs from 26 September to 4 October 2026 at the Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre 10am – 4pm each day. A panel discussion will be held on Sunday 27 September from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

All are welcome.

Sara Kirby is a Creative Learning Officer at Tasmania Prison Service and co-curator of Artists with Conviction.

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Hobart Happenings

by James Marten

Bits and Pieces – August 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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