Beyond the Bars – A Two-Day Exhibition of Art, Conversation & Change

After a short delay thanks to Cyclone Alfred, we’re back and ready to welcome you to the opening night of Beyond the Bars—a powerful exhibition featuring work from international and local artists impacted by the criminal justice system, alongside incredible local talent.

This is more than an art show—it’s about second chances, real stories, and the systems that need to change. Through powerful artwork and thought-provoking conversation, we’ll explore mass incarceration’s impact on First Nations peoples and the role of creative programs in justice reform.

Enjoy an Indigenous food-tasting experience by 3 Little Birds, live music, and connect with the Green Fox Studio community—a creative agency using art to drive rehabilitation, skills-building, and opportunity. Art will also be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting creative programs in justice settings.

Beyond the Bars – Art Show

📅 Friday, March 28 – Opening Night (RSVP Required)
📅 Saturday, March 29 – Open to the Public (No RSVP Needed)
🚗 Free parking available

Opening Night Guest Speakers & Program

Beyond the stunning artwork, the opening night on Friday, March 28 will feature insightful guest speakers sharing their expertise and lived experience in the justice system, creative industries, and social change.

Speakers include:
🔹 Cherie Goodwin – Manager, Inmate Services at Serco
With nearly 30 years of experience in corrections, Cheree oversees professional inmate-facing, non-custodial staff at Clarence Correctional Centre, focusing on psychology, education, reintegration, and case management.

🔹 Jordache Gage – Abstract Surrealist Artist
A self-taught artist with over a decade of experience, Jordache’s work spans public and gallery spaces. His multicultural background—Maori, Filipino, and English—deeply influences his creative expression.

🔹 Damien Linnane – Author, Artist & Editor of Paper Chained
An author, artist, and advocate for prisoner rights, Damien was self-taught while incarcerated. He has since illustrated books, exhibited his work internationally, and hosts Broken Chains, a podcast about the prison system.

A Night with Purpose – Fundraising for Youth Justice Programs

Beyond the Bars is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to harness the power of creativity and storytelling to break cycles of disadvantage and incarceration. This event is a platform to share voices that are too often unheard, creating a space for expression, connection, and change.

Your support directly funds Green Fox Studio’s creative training, mentorship, and employment pathways, providing young people in the justice system with opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence, and find meaningful pathways forward. This year, we’re also spotlighting ReKindle, an initiative that delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive support to younger generations caught in the justice system.

Learn more about ReKindle here - https://www.rekindle.org.au/

By contributing, you’re not just donating—you’re investing in safe, creative spaces where young people can heal, grow, and redefine their futures. Together, we can expand this work, ensuring that the next generation has access to the tools, mentorship, and support they need to break free from cycles of harm and create lasting change.

All donations of $2 or more to Green Fox Studio are tax-deductible as we are a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Your support directly funds creative training and rehabilitation programs, helping young people in the justice system build brighter futures.

Why You Should Attend

This event wouldn’t be possible without Green Fox Studio co-founders Amanda Shephard and Kelly Willmott, whose unwavering commitment has created life-changing opportunities for people in the justice system. Beyond the Bars is a testament to their dedication to rehabilitation through creativity and second chances.

A special thank you to our sponsors Salentis International, Jordache, Fractal, and 3 Little Birds for supporting this important event.

Green Fox Studio is not just a creative agency; it’s a vibrant social enterprise dedicated to igniting creativity and fostering digital literacy within correctional facilities, youth detention centers, and the broader community. Since our inception in 2018, we have empowered countless individuals through transformative creative programs that nurture imagination, sharpen digital skills, and inspire professional growth.

We firmly believe in the power of creativity to change lives, and invite you to explore some of the talent we have discovered behind the bars.

Bring a friend, spread the word, and be part of this important conversation—because real change only happens when the systems do.