Freedom Arts: An evaluation of a pilot arts-justice program

In 2020 Kickstart Arts was granted funding for a three-year pilot arts-based therapeutic justice program in Southern Tasmania. The program aimed to break the cycle of re-offending for those struggling with substance use by addressing the underlying personal and social factors which promote offending. Freedom Arts began operations in June 2021 with the goal of providing for over 100 participants per annum and working with a minimum of 12 participants at any one time in a purpose-built art room in New Town. Anglicare Tasmania’s Social Action and Research Centre was contracted to provide an independent evaluation of the pilot and establish a case for investment in a new service to provide ongoing Arts for Justice activities.