ARTS EMPOWERMENT is a hands-on program for
youth incarcerated in the adult and juvenile corrections systems. The program’s
artist-led projects, tailored to agency-specific needs, range from one week
to nine months. Through
participation in the planning and creation of individual and group projects,
youth learn to think creatively, solve problems, and work collaboratively.
Program participants at Madison Correctional Institution Program goals include life skills and emotional intelligence development, character education, restorative justice, and mentorship with professional artist/mentors.
Each goal is designed to support participant healing, provide community service, and facilitate successful reentry into society.
Outcome successes include measured improvements in behavior and attitude, increased public service, and high school English and Fine Arts credit.
Outputs include ArtSafe publications InSide Looking
Out and A Caged Bird; a music CD, MACI:
Men Acquiring Courage and Intelligence; the InSide
Looking Out Faciltiatiors’ Guide; and the
choreopoem No Reason to Lie.
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THE GIFT INITIATIVE is a program that utilizes the arts as an individual
and a community-building resource. Facilitated by ArtSafe artists and community
volunteers, elderly citizens and children combine the power of the arts with
multi-culturally inspired traditions.
The GIFT Initiative consists of two programs:
ElderGIFT (Granting Inspiration from Tradition) is an arts-based program
in which seniors learn, enjoy, and exercise their creative talents, life
skills, and knowledge. ElderGIFT provides participants with opportunities
to connect with each other and their community in new ways.
YouthGIFT (Gaining Insight from Tradition) is an after-school
partnership with the YWCA to provide children with joint programming that
teaches
respect, problem solving, and the value of diversity. Under the guidance
of artists and community volunteers children between 5 and 13 years old use
visual arts, dance, oral history, and writing to express their creativity
as well as gain skills in critical thinking and collaboration.
“When anxiety and stressors abound, this project (Arts Empowerment) brought a sense of brightness and growth that was felt by all with whom I spoke. Teachers commended the positive educational impact and personal growth of the youth even those who are challenging to work with. JCOs found the experience rewarding as the youths involvement and developed insight reduced the issuance of conduct reports and behavioral outbursts.”
Marci Sutherland
Ohio Department of Youth Services Administrator