ABSTRACT
This chapter explores particular aspects of Victoria Youth Custody Centre (VYCC) youth culture through their artistic works. It examines some of the images they produced in the VYCC Arts and Crafts program and compare those artistic works with creative art produced in Youth-driven programs—as secondary data collection. The chapter provides evidence to conclude that the custody center's existing mandatory Arts and Crafts program conforms to the values and methods of the institution. It deals with an in-depth description of the youth participatory action research (PAR) project, The Outside Guide, which combined an artistic and educational experience—the teens researched and evaluated "youth-friendly" information and community services. The Outside Guide provided a unique opportunity for the teens in custody to join in and contribute to their communities, and collaborate on a project that encouraged them to organize in peer groups—and it gave these young people the space to voice their concerns about resources collectively.
