The life cycle of an exhibition
Highlighting the artwork of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals so that creative expression can strengthens our communities, even across prison walls.
Section cover image:
SARAH YLEN
I Need to Breathe, 2018
A collaboration between
Michigan Justice Fund (MJF) & Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM): a philanthropic initiative striving to lessen the negative effects of mass incarceration.
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
Eli & Edythe Broad Museum
University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Program (PCAP): a program that brings creative workshops to Michigan prisons and improves quality of life for those forgotten and dehumanized by society.
SAMANTHA BACHYNSKI
Rose Trellis Dream Wedding Dress, 2019
It starts with an idea and a grant.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit approached the Michigan Justice Fund, where I was the Program Assistant, to initiate a collaboration to bring the artwork of formerly and currently incarcerated individuals to the museum.
This began a months long journey where I managed communication between the different groups working together to bring this to life.
The vision
The Michigan Justice Fund aims to support narrative change to shift public opinion about the need for criminal justice reform.
With this exhibit, we were able to reach a new audience who don’t have loved ones affected by the issue or who may not be used to seeing the humanity in prisoners.
Through the powerful medium of visual art, we hoped to open hearts to potentially radical ideas of compassion and community.