Arts Access Aotearoa
With deep respect, the Arts in Corrections community acknowledges the passing of Professor Helen Farley, a thoughtful and influential contributor whose work helped to create more space for learning and creativity within prison environments.
We remember Professor Farley’s steady and considered approach to prison education, and her longstanding belief that all people should have access to meaningful opportunities to grow and reflect.
While she was best known for her work in digital education, her quiet support for the role of the arts in prison life has left a lasting impression on the field.
Supporting creative practice in Corrections
Professor Farley was Director of Criminal Justice, University of Canterbury. Throughout her career, she consistently promoted the idea that education inside prisons should be broad and inclusive. She acknowledged the value of creativity as a way for people in prison to make sense of their experiences, to connect with others, and to imagine new possibilities for their lives.
Her recognition of the arts as a valid and meaningful form of engagement offered encouragement to those delivering arts programmes in prisons. She understood that creativity, like education more broadly, can support healing and transformation in ways that reach beyond words or formal qualifications.
Dr Farley supported Arts in Corrections in Aotearoa by making a number of quiet but important contributions. One of these was her recent review of Te Ara ki Runga The Path Up, a best practice guide for Arts in Corrections educators. Her feedback was thoughtful and grounded, and it helped strengthen the final resource.
This contribution reflected the qualities many admired in her work. She brought clarity, care and professionalism to every task, and she supported others with generosity and respect. Her guidance is embedded in the resources and tools that educators and facilitators continue to use today.
A leader in correctional education
Professor Farley held leadership roles that helped to shape prison education across Australasia. As President of the Australasian Corrections Education Association, she brought people together across different contexts and disciplines, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and practical insights.
Her work reflected a long-standing commitment to inclusive and purposeful education. She often worked in complex environments, but never lost sight of the human beings at the centre of the system. She reminded many that learning in prison should be built on respect, opportunity and care.
Her support for arts-based learning was part of a wider vision of education that included a place for creative and cultural expression. That perspective remains influential in Arts in Corrections today.
A lasting legacy
Although Professor Farley didn’t worked exclusively within the arts, her support for those who did helped to elevate their work. Her belief in the power of learning, and her commitment to creating environments where that learning could take place, helped to lay foundations on which others continue to build.
Her contribution can be seen in the increased recognition of creative practice in Corrections, in the growing professionalism of the sector, and in the quiet confidence of those who know their work is part of something meaningful.
With gratitude and aroha
We offer our sincere thanks for Professor Farley’s support of Arts in Corrections, and for her contributions to the wider environment that allows this work to grow. Her insight and generosity have strengthened our collective efforts.
To her colleagues, whānau and all who worked alongside her, we offer our aroha and respect.
Moe mai rā, Helen. Your contributions are appreciated and will be remembered.
