Prison Arts Foundation

The Prison Arts Foundation (PAF) was founded as a charitable trust in November 1996 after extensive discussions between the main stakeholders: the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Community Relations Council and the Community Arts Forum. Dr James Hawthornewas the Chairperson during this time and he had a passion for the arts. PAF's aim was to create, both individually and in partnership, access to the arts for all prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders and ex-young offenders in Northern Ireland. In May 1997, PAF employed a Development Officer the late Mike Moloney. Through the delivery of workshops led by professional Artist Practitioners which inspire, enthuse and educate PAF has been at the forefront of change within the prison environment in Northern Ireland.