Creatives before criminals

In his latest video blog, Philip Patston says prison art programmes may help turn 'criminals' into creatives but wonders how we can help young offenders become creatives - before they become 'criminals'?

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Last time I started talking about youth crime and how creatives could help design a system that would stop youth offenders from becoming  criminals. This time I imagine a future where young people who break the law get taken as far away from prison as possible.

It's a future where we understand that kids lose the way through lack of parenting, lack of love or just circumstances where their lives go off the rails.

A future where there's a space where adults teach them to reimagine and affirm themselves. Where musicians remind them of rhythm, beat and melody.

Where artists teach about beauty and colour. Performers teach about expression and storytelling. Dancers reconnect them with body and movement.

Even comedians are there, helping them master humour and play.

Can you see yourself as part of that future?

What do you think? Am I being unrealistic and idealistic? Do you have better ideas?

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