After preliminary talks with the inmates at the Alipur Correctional Home it was evident that a
whole gamut of work with colour and structure could be done with these people. The energy
and talent that surfaced proved exciting and needed to be channelled. Being segregated from
society as a part of their punishment, the energy and productive potential within these people
remains completely unused. However, they continue to be supported by the very society from
which they have been removed. If this energy and talent could be channelled into art it would
result in some contribution to society. Furthermore, the reformed prisoner on his release
carries with him skills and feelings that facilitate his integration into society. The initial
formalities over, the first workshops were held on 19 - 20 December, 2007.
This experience strengthened the conviction that much more work could be and most definitely must be done with these people. Especially heartening was the enthusiasm shown by some of the prisoners. It seemed to be underlining the basic goodness of all human beings. The success of the first two sessions led to the widening of the project. On 1 February 2008 inmates from five major correctional homes were brought together at the Alipur Correctional Home for large scale workshops.
Workshops also were held in other Correctional Homes in West Bengal, including the one solely meant for women and children.
The Foundation organised exhibitions jointly with the Directorate of Correctional Services, W. B. and also participated as invitee to showcase the paintings & sculptures created by the inmate art students. The exhibitions held at the places as follows :
- Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata, 2008
- Gaganendra Pradarshanshala, Kolkata 2010
- Kolkata Book Fair 2010 & 2011
- 'Ranuchhaya Mancha' in front of Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata, 2011
- The Central University of Jharkhand, Brambe, Ranchi, 2011
A one day art workshop was held on 16 th February 2011 and two day art workshop on 17 th & 18 th February 2012 at Alipore Central Correctional Home also jointly organized by the Directorate of Correctional Services, W.B. and the Flight to Harmony Foundation, where the inmate art students worked simultaneously with the eminent artists of Kolkata. The objectives of the workshop were to exchange knowledge, views and techniques for further experiment, development and to create the 'work of art'.
Two other important workshops outside the correctional home participated by the inmates which enriched them immensely.
- Birla Industrial & Techonological Museum on 21 st February 2012
- Pragati Utsab from 19 th May 2012 to 25 th May 2012
An excellent project also leads by the Foundation among the trainee of the Art School at Alipore Central Correctional Home to create a huge terracotta sculpture 'Peace-Plaque' (4 x 3 x 1.5) ft and presented to Her Excellency, The President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patil in the year 2008 in presence of two inmate students. One of them is working with us presently after his release.