Northern Ireland

Children of prisoners create colourful mural in Maghaberry as part of unique art project

The art project for children of prisoners is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
The art project for children of prisoners is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The art project for children of prisoners is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
By Seanin Graham

CHILDREN of prisoners have brightened up parts of Maghaberry jail as part of a pioneering new art project.

Professional spray-paint artists helped young people create a massive mural on walls at the entrance to the visiting area of the high security Lisburn facility.

One girl depicted an image of her receiving letters from her father in prison.

Inmates also took part in the scheme, with one father saying it had helped him "cement" relations with family members while another said the scheme had "opened up his brain" to being creative.

Maghaberry governor, David Kennedy said the project is one of a number of initiatives at Maghaberry which provide fathers an opportunity to spend time with children.

"Family contact can influence how people cope in prison and equally can help them in their reintegration and rehabilitation upon release," Mr Kennedy said.