Prose and Cons

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The work contained in this book was written by prisoners in the period running up to when Fremantle Prison was closed. I'ts development was partially funded by an Arts WA grant and the printing costs were covered by the then Department of
Justice.  The project was managed by Outcare, Western Australia’s major crime prevention and community safety organisation.  One of Outcare’s family support and visitor services occupied the offices located outside and immediately to the right of the entrance to the prison. 

The book was mostly a labour of love by the prisoners and the people involved in its production. Sometimes heavy, sometimes light and often frighteningly insightful, it represents a cross section of prisoner perceptions here in the prison at that time.  
 
Creative expression has a unique and crucial function in a prison environment. This volume is a testament to the ability of the human spirit to declare itself in spite of, and in the face of, appalling conditions.

The stories, poems and art works speak of themes that are universal to prisoners everywhere, giving the reader an insight by which to close the gap between “inside” and “out”.