Wellington's manager of offender services and programs Jennifer Ryan, said the paintings were created during workshops with Elder and artist Tom Sloane at the prison's high intensity programs unit.

"Tom teaches the men about their culture and guides them on how to express that cultural journey through art," Ms Ryan said.

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"The men were keen to donate their artworks because they wanted to make a positive contribution and give the community another perspective on what happens behind the walls of a correctional centre."

The artworks are based on Aboriginal themes of country and totem animals, and would be exhibited in Wellington, with all funds going to the Yalmambirra Indigenous Learning Centre.

Wiradjuri inmate-artist John painted a kangaroo and goanna, his family and tribal totems.

"A lot of us like doing our artwork because it reconnects us to who we were and where we were from, and it takes us back to that place, rather than being in here," John said.

"Painting gives us peace of mind, so if by donating them we can help one little bit, one little person, that's a bonus."

Barnardos Australia program manager Shiree Talbot said they were excited by the project which will support the Yalmambirra Indigenous Learning Centre which runs before and after school care for Aboriginal children aged 5-12.

The program is an early education initiative to help break the cycle of disadvantage, social exclusion and disengagement with the community.

"This fundraising exhibition is really a win-win for everyone," Ms Talbot said.

"The inmates gain cultural awareness through painting and then have the satisfaction of seeing their artworks make a positive difference to the lives of children in Wellington."

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders congratulated staff and inmates on the program.

"I've seen firsthand some of the artistic skills that inmates have and there is a lot of hidden talent," he said.

"By encouraging inmates to build on their talent, it gives them a sense of pride, and with the artworks going on to raise money for valuable services, it is their way of giving back."

The Yalmambirra Art Exhibition 'Children are our future' is on show from 5.30pm to 8pm on Friday, November 27, at 49 Gisborne Street, Wellington.