Nova Scotia Youth Correctional Facility Art Expo, Performance

Youth from the Nova Scotia Youth Correctional Facility in Waterville, held an art exhibition and performance art show Thursday, Feb. 25.

The Just Art Expo displayed works of art by youth and youth workers. The art is being sold with all proceeds going to charity. The performance art show included poetry, song, and the WeMOVE DVD creation, which is a 15-minute animation, based on the lives of these youth.

"Art is a great way for young people to express themselves," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "Extremely talented youth have taken pride in their art. Through self-expression comes increased sense of purpose and self-esteem."

Young people at the facility are in conflict with the law, serving open or secure custody sentences, as well as those on remand.

Programs are designed to improve residents' understanding of their behaviour and personal issues, improve the ability to control their actions and make better decisions, provide opportunities to acquire academic and vocational skills and promote a positive self-image.

The goal is to provide young people with instruction and the opportunity to practice skills, which may effectively change their behaviour.

As part of the rehabilitation process, positive social activities, such as art, continued outside of the facility, can take the place of anti-social activities, such as crime.

For Broadcast Use:

Art, poetry and song were on display at the Nova Scotia

Youth Correctional Centre in Waterville Thursday,

(February 25th).

The Just Art Expo displayed works of art by youth and

youth workers. The performance show included poetry, song,

and the WeMOVE DVD creation, which is a 15-minute animation,

based on the lives of these youth.

Justice Minister Ross Landry says extremely talented youth

have taken pride in their art and through self-expression comes

an increased sense of purpose and self-esteem.