Writing freedom: Transcribe written works

Join us to transcribe the powerful and often overlooked voices of incarcerated writers. By participating with the Justice Art Coalition, you can help bring their stories to light, revealing the complexities of their experiences and the realities of the criminal legal system. 

We’ll Train You 

Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before—there will be comprehensive training and onboarding to equip you with everything you need to succeed. This is an opportunity to engage with important narratives, challenge the status quo, and contribute to a larger conversation about justice and humanity. Your involvement can help bridge the gap between those inside and outside the prison walls. Stand with us in this essential work of transcribing and sharing vital stories.

Preserving Stories, Preserving Art 

Transcribing the work of incarcerated artists is a loving act that challenges the systemic silencing of marginalized voices. It’s not just about putting words on a page; it’s about reclaiming power and visibility for those whose narratives have been suppressed by an unjust system. Each transcription is a declaration that their experiences matter and deserve to be heard.

• Preservation of Art: By documenting these creative expressions, we’re ensuring that their truths are not lost to history. This is an act of resistance against erasure, preserving their legacies for future generations.

• Accessibility and Outreach: Transcribing makes their art accessible to a broader audience, breaking down barriers and inviting everyone to confront the harsh realities of incarceration and its impact on humanity.

• Connection and Empathy: Each story is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. By engaging with these narratives, we confront our own biases and challenge societal norms, fostering solidarity across divides.

Why do we transcribe their poetry and prose? 

We transcribe because much of what incarcerated artists share is handwritten, often in conditions that make it difficult for their voices to reach the outside world. Handwritten works can be easily overlooked or lost, but transcribing them transforms those raw expressions into accessible, digital formats.  

Handwritten works can sometimes be difficult to read due to varying handwriting styles. Transcribing these works enhances clarity, ensuring that the artists’ messages are conveyed accurately and effectively.