Art and culture in prison is a project funded by the European Union within the framework of the Culture Programme 2007-2013. It is promoted by the Tuscany Region, Fondazione Michelucci (project leader), The Manchester College, Prison Arts Foundation, Berliner Literarische Aktion, Departament de Justícia - Generalitat de Catalunja.

Art and culture in prison includes fostering knowledge and collaboration between the cultural professionals who work in European prisons; the circulation within a European context of theatre, music, literary and artistic performances implemented in the various countries; the opening of artistic and cultural experiences to society at large and shows created in the difficult conditions of a prison context.

The initiatives scheduled in Florence, the theatre performance by the Compagnia la Fortezza of Volterra Marat-Sade, the seminars "The Theatre in the theatre of punishment", are the initial activities of a programme that will follow on in Belfast with Music and dance in prison, in Manchester with Art and handicraft in prison and in Berlin with Literature in prison.

Shows, research and seminars will be made available through publications and video clips co-produced by the partners.