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Programme on alternative visions of detention - and how art contributes to it

At SPUI25

During our programme at SPUI25, we joined artists, scientists and a lecturer in Criminal Law to discuss the topic of crime and punishment from different angles. An evening that revolved around making legal issues visible through art, architecture, science and education.

Over the years, not only crime but also society's view of punishment and detention has changed. For instance, certain media framing can fuel a strong 'us-versus-them' feeling, and the humane aspect of prisoners is sometimes lost sight of. But how does someone end up in this situation? And does the architecture of prisons still fit the current zeitgeist?

Goals

Changing public opinion affects the rights and freedoms of detainees. The aim was to shine a different light on this during this meeting. We also explored ways in which art can contribute to this.

Activities 

Panel discussion at SPUI25. This panel, consisting of Theo Tegelaers (director and curator of Stichting TAAK), Ulrike Möntmann (artist and scientist), Robert Glas (artist) and Malou Hamers (Criminal Law lecturer at UvA) used documented audio stories of women from European prisons to enter the world of anonymised detainees and the reasons why they did not find a place in society. They also examined the visibility of power structures in the architecture of prison walls anno 2023.

Impact numbers

  • 86 attendees.
  • Interesting findings regarding this topic.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with teachers, researchers and artists.