The Transformative Power of Art: How Art Can Positively Impact Staff Morale

Within the walls of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice motivational quotes and artwork adorn the spaces, not just for inmates, but for the hardworking staff that are often there most of their day. The presence of art can improve performance, form and strengthen relationships with colleagues, stimulate new ideas and establish a welcoming workplace culture.

Walking into a facility every day surrounded with artwork has become the norm across the agency as more wardens are using art as a tool to build a positive working environment and unit culture. One of those wardens is Anthony Newton, who oversees the Estelle Unit and previously oversaw operations at the Ramsey and Ellis Units. Newton has championed the use of art to create vibrant and lively workplaces. After becoming warden at the Estelle Unit, Newton wanted to continue to create a workplace that allowed staff to engage with each other and stimulate a creative environment.

Newton believes that the way a unit looks is reflective of the unit’s culture.

“I do believe art leads to increased engagement and boosts employee morale, and if you do it correctly, it can be seen as a positive indicator of what your unit is about,” Newton said.

There are many benefits to artwork in the facility that can directly impact employees in the workplace.

Johnny Krause at work in the officer dining room at the Bartlett Innovation Unit

Performance and Wellbeing

In a prison environment, the health and wellbeing of staff is crucial to making sure they can positively perform their duties. Saying encouraging words can go a long way, but seeing it on the walls before a shift can be the push they need to be motivated for the day. Newton encourages staff to be part of the creative process in the facility.

“It does reduce stress and anxiety and improves the mood of employees. When you get them involved in the process of making the artwork, it stimulates their creativity and innovation,” Newton said.

For one of the employees at the Estelle Unit, the effects of art are a daily motivation.

Officer Peter Mwamgi said, “It encourages me every day to come to work. When you come down the hallway and see that, you read it, think about it and say, ‘I’m going to keep going.’”

Promoting Healthy Communication

Mood can directly affect the way information is communicated and delivered amongst one another. With Newton taking the initiative to develop a common theme in his units and keeping his employees emotional and mental well-being at the forefront, the possibilities are endless.

“In a prison environment, art provides employees the ability to reflect on their thoughts and emotions when they see it.”

Being around art and even creating it is a form of expression and allows employees to continue their days with an optimistic approach.

For inmate unit artists, developing and creating motivational art nurtures their rehabilitation journey and their potential job opportunities after release.

“I believe that it speaks to them because they’re doing it as a way to communicate redemption for the inmate population; they’re doing it to help heal other people,” Newton said.

Brian Estes at work in the officer dining room at the Bartlett Innovation Unit

Facilitate New Ideas, Thoughts, and Conversations between Colleagues

Art can serve as a catalyst for new ideas and conversations among colleagues. Newton observes that artwork can spark discussions, foster social connections and provide a common ground for interaction.

“I believe it’s a conversation starter once they see it, and elicits the different opinions they have of a certain picture or quote,” Newton said. “It gives them common topics to discuss and creates social connections amongst inmates.”

Strengthening the Relationship between Employees and Leadership

“If they see that unit leadership cares enough to invest into the beautification of the facility and do motivational things for them, I think it builds more trust. It makes it more of the type of unit they want to be at,” Newton said.

Introducing art at the units allowed employees and leadership to build trust and community. Various artwork around and within the unit include animals, mottos, motivational quotes, inspirational leaders and superheroes, which promoted commonality in the workplace.

“It’s more than just putting art on the wall, it’s how they interpret the meaning of it.” Newton expressed.

“The impact of art is beyond what the eyes can see but for those influenced, it’s a daily reminder to strive for excellence.”