Research: Understanding the Impact of Arts in Corrections

 

This page provides a comprehensive overview of empirical studies evaluating the efficacy of arts programs in correctional environments.

 

 

Statewide Recividism Report for Individuals Released from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Fiscal Year 2019-20

This report from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) examines recidivism among the 34,215 people released from adult institutions in Fiscal Year 2019–20.

Read HERE

Surveying the Impact: WJA’s 2024 AIC Report

WJA surveyed Arts-in-Corrections participants to evaluate workshop satisfaction and personal impact.

Appreciation to Lana Quint, Arts Administration Pipeline Fellow, for compiling this report.

See our research HERE

Six Theories for Understanding the Effectiveness of Arts in Corrections

  • Cognitive Behavioral Theory

  • Social Learning Theory

  • Resilience Theory

  • Social Capital Theory

  • Performance Theory

  • Desistance Theory

Download Arts in Corrections Research Flyer (PDF)

Featured Publications

Paths of Discovery: Art Practice and Its Impact in California Prisons (2nd Edition)

Author: Larry Brewster
Photography: Peter Merts

This powerful publication highlights the transformative potential of arts programs in California prisons. Through interviews, color photography, and over 100 reproductions of inmate artwork including paintings, drawings, prints, and poetry, Paths of Discovery showcases how art opens doors to introspection, discipline, and personal growth.

Read More / Download

Prison Arts Resource Project (PARP): An Annotated Bibliography

Authors: Amanda Gardner, Ph.D., Lori L. Hager, Ph.D., Grady Hillman
Published by: National Endowment for the Arts (May 2014)

A valuable resource featuring 48 evidence-based studies on the impact of arts programs in U.S. correctional settings. Each entry includes a program description, research goals, methods, and key findings.

Download PARP (PDF)

CLA County Jails Project Report (January 2017)

Feedback and demographics collected from art program participants in five county jails (Fresno, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Sacramento) offer insight into program effectiveness and participant experiences.

Download Report (PDF)

Evaluation Highlights

California Prison Arts Evaluation (2014)

A one-year study across four California prisons, led by Dr. Larry Brewster, revealed that participants in arts programs reported improved behavior, increased self-discipline, and greater motivation to pursue educational and vocational goals.

Download Full Evaluation (PDF)

Earlier Studies by Dr. Larry Brewster

  • 2012: Qualitative Study of the California Arts In Corrections Program

  • 1983: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Arts-in-Corrections – Found significant institutional and societal benefits, including reduced disciplinary infractions and prison beautification.
    Download Full Study (PDF, 6.3MB)
    Download Abstract (PDF, 736KB)

Recidivism Research (1980–1987)

Research by the California Department of Corrections showed that participants in Arts-in-Corrections (AIC) had:

  • 75% fewer disciplinary actions

  • 27% lower recidivism rates

  • Higher rates of “favorable outcomes” than the general prison population

These outcomes demonstrate significant cost savings and the potential for improved reentry outcomes for returning residents.

See Synopsis

 

Additional Resources