What is included in this Directory?
JAC’s Program Directory includes arts-based workshops, projects, and courses offered in prisons, jails, youth detention centers, reentry, restorative justice, or diversion programs across the US and beyond. Possible art forms include creative writing, poetry, visual art, dance, drama, and music. Yoga, meditation, and horticulture programs are also included. All of these forms of creative expression may also be combined into multi-disciplinary programs.
Please note: Justice Arts Coalition does not administer these programs. The following are independent prison arts programs we have identified in this region. To learn more about the programs, please contact the programs directly.
Who offers these programs?
Programs are facilitated by a variety of people. This includes:
- individuals, volunteers, professional artists, teaching artists, students, professors, and people in prison
- groups, organizations, institutions, voluntary groups, non-profit organizations, and universities
- prison staff or individuals employed by a prison
- partnerships across these various groups
Where do programs take place?
Art programs take place in carceral settings across the United States, from low security facilities to high security facilities. On this site, we have identified 48 states with programs. Please view the map below or search by region and state to find programs:
- New England
- Mid-Atlantic
- Southern Region
- Midwest
- Southwest
- Rocky Mountains
- Pacific Coastal Region
- US Territories
Some programs are offered on a national level (such as the annual PEN Prison Writing Contest), although they are listed by state based on office location.
The list of programs is in constant development and does not reflect the total number of programs across the US.
For those of you who do already have listings in the Directory, we ask that you check them for accuracy, and utilize this Google Form as needed to either confirm or make changes to the current information we have listed for your program or organization.
For those of you who do not already have your program listed in the Directory, we invite you to utilize the Google Form to submit information about your program or organization, and we will enter it!
Please reach out to directory@thejusticeartscoalition.org with any questions.
In addition to art programs, what other art takes place in and around the US carceral system?
This includes, but is not limited to:
- art produced by people in prison, whether for personal, social, familial, or other purposes
- art produced by people outside prison, including people who have been incarcerated and people exploring themes around justice through their creative practice
- programs outside of carceral institutions for and by people who were previously incarcerated, organized by individuals, groups, and organizations
Program Directory Map
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