prisonsfoundation_art's photostream

Interested in any of the original prison art you see here? Note the piece # & contact Staff@PrisonsFoundation.org or 202-393-1511 with any questions about price, artist info or shipping.

The Prisons Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that promotes the arts and education in prison and alternatives to incarceration. We believe that art can not only play a cathartic roll in the life of a prisoner, but that it boosts self esteem, decreases frustration and anger, fosters a sense of productivity and that this ultimately translates into a released prisoner who feels a greater sense of self worth, and a greater sense of "connection" to society and the world around him. At the same time when the general public views inmate art they are forced to confront stereotypes about prisoners and in turn "humanize" the artist/prisoner who has created the work they are viewing. Ultimately we would like to re-form the way people interpret corrections and change the way our society, and indeed our world, views prison and punishment. It should be noted that first and foremost we are an advocacy group and not simply a clearinghouse for art. Profit sharing (where allowed) with inmates rewards them with something tangible for their hard work. The profit percentage Prisons Foundation procures goes towards advocacy work and all of the expected fiscal details of running a nonprofit organization. A percentage of profits from the sale of inmate art also go towards a victim’s advocacy fund, and we strongly encourage inmates to designate a charity when they cannot personally benefit, monetarily, due to facility restrictions. We cannot always guarantee that an inmate’s artwork will be sold, but we can guarantee that it will be seen. We know from years of dedicated advocacy work that gently exposing someone to a new idea is the first step in promoting change.