The value of arts-based projects within the criminal justice system is well documented, as research has identified positive outcomes relating to inmates’ behavior and their relationships with others. This article examines the work of the Soft Touch Arts project at HMP Leicester, UK and identifies the importance of hope as a transformative outcome. Interviews with artists in prison and community settings demonstrated the value of engaging in creative and purposeful activity, generating hope which enabled artists to aspire to a better future. This occurred alongside ameliorating the harms of prison and helping artists manage their relationship with probation services.

刑事司法系统中以艺术为基础的项目的价值是有据可查的，因为研究已经确定了与囚犯行为及其与他人关系有关的积极成果。本文考察了英国莱斯特 HMP 的 Soft Touch Arts 项目的工作，并确定了希望作为变革性成果的重要性。对监狱和社区环境中的艺术家的采访证明了从事创造性和有目的的活动的价值，产生希望，使艺术家能够向往更美好的未来。这与改善监狱的危害并帮助艺术家管理他们与缓刑服务的关系同时发生。