‘Hallways of Hope’ is an exhibition inspired by a cross curricular project in the Midlands Prison Education Centre. This project aims to reach as many prisoners as possible in order to promote positivity, hope and mental health awareness. The resulting artworks emerged from the question ‘What does hope mean to me?’. The pieces are displayed on the walls of the prison and in the Education Centre. The making of art is an inherently healthy and valuable thing to do. Being involved in a group project such as this is a way to avoid isolation and to reach out to a wider community.

The art and craft works in themselves were intended to raise awareness of mental health issues and inspire hope. The theme of hope was broadly interpreted and as a result we have a diverse range of art works including mosaics, pottery, paintings, drawings and glass. The project is on-going and this exhibition represents a selection of the range of work produced by the participants.

Exhibition runs 16 September -15 October, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland.