8 July
It was an award-winning night on Monday for Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) Programmes Manager Mark Lynds, as he was presented with the Big ‘A’ Prison Arts Leadership award.
The leadership award recognises Mark’s outstanding achievements in promoting artistic endeavour as a rehabilitation tool within the prison environment.
“International research shows that the arts in their many forms can be a powerful rehabilitation tool for prisoners,” Mark says.
“Art creates the opportunity for self-expression, self-belief and mana enhancement. There are also opportunities for some of the really talented artists inside to build knowledge, gain qualifications and create a viable vocational option for themselves.”
Mark believes in taking a holistic approach to working with prisoners and thinks that creative activities such as whakairo (carving) and traditional performing arts are important keys in unlocking their potential good.
“For me, art and cultural knowledge is one of the most important keys to restoring mana, developing a sense of self-worth and getting a prisoner to turn their life around.”
The judging panel comprised Des Ripi, National Senior Adviser, Kaumatua, Department of Corrections; Lara Macgregor, Associate Artistic Director, The Court Theatre; Jo Randerson, artist and writer; and Marianne Taylor, Arts Access Aotearoa. Mark’s efforts and his commitment to making a difference impressed the judges.
“Mark is a motivator, taking a project from the beginning and seeing it through to the end. He plans, works strategically and knows how to get what he wants for his projects. He’s a mover and shaker, showing outstanding leadership qualities in his work with prison arts.”
Since starting at NRCF Mark has invigorated the carving school, enhancing the tikanga philosophy and developing a group of mentors who peer-tutor the other prisoners.
Mark says through their art prisoners are encouraged to give something back to society. He helped raise money for charity by organising the sale of prisoner art and was instrumental in the gifting of more than 30 artworks to Starship Hospital four years ago.
Notes to reporter:
The Prison Arts Leadership Award is one of four honours presented annually at the Big ‘A’ Awards organised by Arts Access Aotearoa
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