Beyond the Bars – A Public Exhibition of Art, Conversation & Change

Beyond the Bars is a powerful art exhibition bringing together international and local artists impacted by the criminal justice system, alongside incredible emerging and established talent. This exhibition isn’t just about showcasing art—it’s about second chances, real stories, and the systems that need to change.

Through striking artworks and thought-provoking conversation, Beyond the Bars explores the impact of mass incarceration on First Nations peoples and the role of creative programs in justice reform. Every piece on display represents resilience, creativity, and the power of artistic expression to transform lives.

By attending, you’ll not only experience incredible artwork but also help support rehabilitation, skills-building, and employment pathways for people in the justice system. All artwork is for sale, with proceeds directly funding creative programs that provide opportunities for learning, healing, and professional growth.

What to Expect:

🎨 Inspiring Artworks – Featuring work from artists with lived experience of incarceration alongside local talent.
🧒 Kids Creative Play Space & Face Painting – A welcoming, family-friendly environment where kids can explore their creativity.
🤝 Community Connection – Meet the Green Fox Studio team, a creative agency using art to drive rehabilitation, skills-building, and opportunity.
🛍️ Art for Sale – All proceeds support creative programs in justice settings. 🚗 Free parking available

Fundraising for Justice Programs

Beyond the Bars isn’t just about showcasing powerful stories—it’s also an opportunity to support real change. Proceeds from art sales and donations will directly fund Green Fox Studio’s creative training, mentorship, and employment pathways. These programs provide young people in the justice system with the tools to develop new skills, build confidence, and find meaningful opportunities for their future.

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 here: www.rekindle.org.au

Every contribution—big or small—helps us expand these programs and provide more young people with safe, creative spaces where they can heal, grow, and thrive. If you’d like to support this work, you can donate directly on this page.

All donations of $2 or more to Green Fox Studio are tax-deductible, as we are a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Your generosity helps us break cycles of incarceration and disadvantage through creativity, skills-building, and employment pathways.

Why You Should Attend

Green Fox Studio co-founders Amanda Shephard and Kelly Willmott have built a groundbreaking social enterprise dedicated to rehabilitation through creativity. Beyond the Bars is a testament to their commitment to empowering individuals in the justice system through artistic expression and digital literacy.

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.

Join us, bring a friend, and be part of this important conversation—because real change only happens when the systems do

Contact the host of Beyond the Bars - General Admission