Artworks from Adelaide Women’s Prison
4 November 2026 - 9 February 2027 | Arts in Health, Flinders Medical Centre
Being an artist is often thought of as a gift. One is simply born creative or they’re not. But what happens when creativity is taught and expression encouraged?
Respected South Australian artist Lisa Khan provided space for healing through art during a six week program at Adelaide Women’s Prison as part of Keeping Culture Strong. Each session explored the lived experiences, stories, and cultural identity of Aboriginal participants through painting. As the program progressed, paintings began to emerge that reflect resilience and personal transformation. Bonds of sisterhood were built as the women practiced creativity and shared their stories.
This exhibition embodies the transformative power of expression and connection: to Country, to community, and to each other.
Ingomar, Bush foods (26-253), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm.
Lyons, Walka (26-255), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm.
Williamson, Bush Medicine (26-250), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm.
While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders account for less than 4% of the Australian population, they account for more than a third of the population in correctional facilities across Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 25 times more likely to go to prison than non-Indigenous women. The 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody found that systemic discrimination was the key driver to this over-incarceration. Providing programs like Keeping Culture Strong is integral to the wellbeing of participants, creating lasting positive impact.
Williamson, Walka (26-237), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 61x41cm.
Neal, Bush medicine after rain (26-241), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 61x41cm.
Haines, Walka (26-227), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 61x41cm.
Norris, Maralinga (26-230), 2026, Acrylic on canvas, 61x41cm.
During a six week painting program as part of Keeping Culture Strong with renowned Yankunytjatjara, Antikirinya and Pitjantjatjara artist Lisa Khan, artists explored their own lived experiences, stories and cultural identity. The program saw the participating artists build bonds of sisterhood while the resulting artworks speak of female strength, cultural pride, deep-rooted knowledge, and connection to Country, community and belonging.
Keeping Culture Strong encourages participants to see art not only as a tool for healing and expression, but as a viable pathway for ongoing learning and future employment. Through Healing & Sisterhood, Ku Arts is able to assist participating artists to start this journey by providing the opportunity to earn income from art sales and make a positive impact (with 60% of the artwork price going directly to the artist, 20% to Adelaide Women’s Prison amenities, 20% to the Victims of Crime Fund).
Since 2023, Ku Arts has been partnering with Arts in Health at Flinders Medical Centre to deliver an exhibition program showcasing works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across South Australia. This partnership champions the role arts has in improving the quality of life for all people while contributing to a vibrant First Nations arts sector.
