Creative arts in the criminal justice system have a long and varied history – from theatre to fine art, music to poetry and creative writing – the arts have a well-established place in both secure and community justice settings.

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) provides information to arts organisations on working with people in the contact with the criminal justice system. The briefing below draws together evidence on how arts help people in the justice system address their difficulties and rebuild their lives

NCJAA have now developed resources for employers. The creative industries are worth £91.8bn a year to the UK
economy and are growing faster than any other sector.

More information

Read about The Old Vic’s approach to recruiting people with convictions.

Arts Council England becomes a Ban the Box employer.

Rural Arts have banned the box.