Art for Justice Fund: Calls to End Mass Incarceration

On the evening of January 30, several artists, activists, donors and experts in the area of criminal justice reform gathered for an evening of conversation and insights at the Art for Justice Fund’s Art, Advocacy, Action event. Hosted by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and the Ford Foundation at the Museum of the City of New York, the event showcased multiple panel discussions and performances addressing the need to change our system of mass incarceration.

The discussions featured several experts working in the area of criminal justice reform, including multiple formerly incarcerated leaders. Daryl V. Atkinson, Co-Director of Forward Justice, discussed how his experience as a formerly incarcerated person equips him with specialized knowledge to confront this issue through his work. He stressed the need for formerly incarcerated leaders to be engaged in the dialogue on criminal justice reform: “Nothing short of a social movement is going to end mass incarceration, and no social movement has succeeded without the leadership of those most affected.”

As Mr. Atkinson suggested, a major barrier to confronting mass incarceration is a lack of opportunity among those who are re-adjusting to society after prison. This was a common theme throughout the night: we need more opportunities for formerly incarcerated persons in their careers and life, for children who come from marginalized backgrounds, and for those who are currently incarcerated.

Read the full article about the art world discussing criminal justice at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.