An exhibition of artistic curtains produced by prisoners at the Corradino Correctional Facility has opened in the foyer of Parliament House in Valletta.

The exhibition, called Love, Faith and Forgiveness, is open until June 15.

The curtains are the work of 10 men and four women who were taught curtain-making, including design, by Mary Grace Pisani.

Speaker Anglu Farrugia said it was significant that the first exhibition in Parliament House was put up by a group of people who did not enjoy their freedom.  He underlined the importance of prisoners making good use of their time as they prepared to reintegrate in society. 

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela noted that a third of prison inmates were now following some kind of course, but said work needed to be done to convince the remainder to do likewise.

He said the focus of the prison authorities is on education, work and sport.  

Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said the work of the prisoners was also being used to decorate an old people's home in Mtarfa as well as St Vincent de Paule Home. The inmates will also design and work on 400 costumes to be used in the CHOGM opening ceremony.  

Michelle Muscat, the prime minister's wife, welcomed the fact that 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the curtains would go to the Marigold Foundation, which administers a fund for victims of crime. 

The exhibition is open during office hours.