Campbell, Natalie. (2018). On the Inside: Evaluating Education Programs in Prison. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35(2): 662-682.
Author Affiliations: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Artforms: Acting, animation, creative ensemble, drawing, knitting, mixed media, mural painting, printmaking, Shakespeare, watercolor and more
Program: NA
Program Description: NA
Program (Study) Location: Arts-education programs in Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio
Study Published: Unpublished
Participant Type: Prison-arts program administrators
Sample Size: Online survey was distributed to administrator at 22 organizations; four (18%) completed the survey
Data Type: Online survey distributed to active prison-arts program administrators
Evaluation Focus: Prevalence of hands-on art education to inmates in correctional facilities, specifically reporting how many people prison-arts programs serve, how often and under what conditions as well as perceptions of benefit.
Summary of Impact: Respondents reported that:
- Programs were conducted in various types of facilities: men’s only maximum- or minimum-security, men’s and women’s maximum-, medium- and minimum-security facilities
- Majority of students were African American, followed by white non-Hispanics or Hispanics; students ranged from age 18 to 60 but were primarily clustered between 30 and 45
- All program courses were taught by university professors
- Funding came from grants, donations, state funds and university funds
- Respondents felt that the programs improved quality of life for participants
KEYWORDS: acting, animation, creative ensemble, drawing, knitting, mixed media, mural painting, watercolor, writing
Prison Arts Resource Project 