Money raised from the sale of prisoners' artwork on show in Whanganui's Davis Central City Library will go to the Whanganui Restorative Justice Trust.
The Aotearoa - Our Land, Our People exhibition features works by 13 Whanganui Prison inmates who contributed about 30 pieces to the exhibition.
The prison has partnered with the Davis Library to host the exhibition with curatorial assistance provided by the Sarjeant Gallery's Greg Donson.
Prison manager Reti Pearse said art played a role in rehabilitation. Corrections aims to reduce re-offending by 25 per cent by 2017.
The prison's art programme complements other education, training and group therapy sessions and allows inmates to practise and strengthen their communication skills, working with others, goal-setting and patience, Mr Pearse said.
"The prisoners who contributed to the art exhibition see it as an opportunity to give something positive back to the community," he said.
Prison art tutor Carol Gash said the exhibition included paintings, intricate pencil works and a one-of-a-kind carving.
"The works are all of a high standard and demonstrate a range of talents and techniques. Maori mythology, portraiture and New Zealand landscapes. People who view the exhibition will be pleasantly surprised at the creativity and resourcefulness on display," said Mrs Gash.
The exhibition in the Davis Library runs until June 30 and entry is free. The exhibition also includes two large murals (about 2.85m wide x 1.8m high) painted by female inmates from Arohata Prison, outside Wellington.