"Escape" Allies

Prison - Colors
Confinement - Emotions
Railings - Art
Cell - Clay

Words so different, but capable of outlining the climate and goals of Art Therapy and Art Expression groups. The team is a haven in restricted surroundings, an outlet under austere circumstances or simply a quiet retreat away from voices, speakerphones and meaningless conversations. We paint, we sculpt, we create, and then we discuss. Just like that! And it's like standing in front of mirrors every time we look at the work we have created. Members of the group discuss, share their thoughts, their experiences, their feelings, their dreams and traumas, and everything they have captured in their work.

Having as their allies Art, acceptance and the belief that change is possible, we are opening up together step by step new paths that lead to reconciliation with oneself and the other.
And yet it is possible...

In April 2017, the implementation of an expanded, two-year program of Visual Art Therapy in 7 Detention Centers in the area of Attica and Voiotia began. Groups meet weekly for 2 hours. Group members become acquainted with Art as a unique means of expression, communication and emotional relief. To date, more than 300 people - detainees have participated in the groups. The groups take place at the following Detention Centers:

- Drug Rehabilitation Center for the Incarcerated Eleonas Thebes
- Women’s Prison Eleonas Thebes
- Hospital of Korydalos Prison “Saint Paul”
- Women’s Prison Korydalos
- Psychiatric Clinic Korydallos Prison
- Men’s Prison Korydalos
- Special Detention Center Avlona

Alkistis Boura
Social Worker – Psychotherapist
Coordinator of Art Therapy Groups

Nikos Plytas
Psychiatrist – Psychotherapist
Supervisor of Art Therapy Program

Implementation: Association for the Support of Prisoners “Onisimos”
Donor: Stavros Niarchos Foundation