Art Not Jail: Restorative Justice Through Art
Photo credit: Young New Yorkers
The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and numerous unarmed black people this year, and for many decades prior by the hands of law enforcement has undoubtedly created a monumental movement across the US. This movement has brought mainstream awareness and momentum to the idea that systemic racism does indeed exist and that the criminal justice system is long overdue for massive change and needs to be addressed at every level, in each community, and in each industry, discipline and sector. It has never been made clearer to the US at large that we are all participants responsible for the fight for true social equality. The criminal justice system in the US has been flawed for so long and has seen little to no positive change for many years. Even now, intense discussion and debates persist encouraging a new path forward. This can make the fight for change seem distant, but I recently learned about an organization that stood out to me as something that is already established and functioning at a grassroots level, and that if given the chance to grow, could give many hope for a better future.
Recently, a friend and former classmate contacted me and asked if I would be interested in joining the Ambassador Board of an initiative she has been involved with for several years called Young New Yorkers. Since learning more about the organization, myself and a few colleagues at Spacesmith have committed to supporting the organization in any way we can. Whether it's by spreading awareness in our communities, donating and/or fundraising, so I thought I would update everyone in our blog network on what we have learned so far.
Young New Yorkers focuses on building relationships with various agencies in New York in order to provide a restorative arts diversion program as a court sentencing option to young people ages 16-25 in lieu of harsher sanctions such as jail time, and a lifelong criminal record.
Upon completion of this program, the graduates’ records can be sealed and expunged. The programs range from one day to eight weeks and culminate in an art exhibition that would typically occur in the actual courtroom.
Photo credit: Mansura Khanam
The exhibit is designed by the graduates showing their work and challenges the intimidating authority inherent in the space and environment by instead humanizing it, by creating a colorful, almost joyous celebration of sorts, where key figures in the court system can interface with the stories and art of the graduates face to face, and as the website puts it, by “giving members of the criminal justice system an opportunity to re-meet these extraordinary young people beyond their rap sheets.”
The most recent exhibit “Who We Are, Beyond Our Charges”, took place on October 7, 2020 with a Zoom opening and was YNY’s first all-virtual exhibition, designed by YNY grads in partnership with ShoP Architects and Moma PS1. The exhibit opening centered the amazing and inspiring voices of many of the Young New Yorkers current and former graduates, and gave many more participants than usual the unique opportunity to hear more about their journey, their work, and the organization's efforts. And the best part is that the exhibit can still be viewed and explored for all of us stuck at home! It really is a unique experience that allows the user to navigate through the 3D-modeled Moma PS1 exhibit space, similar to playing a video game, while being able to pause at an art piece and hear audio clips of YNY grads’ stories and voices, making for a powerful, personal and moving audio-visual experience. Please explore below!
Source: https://archleague.org/rachel-barnard-young-new-yorkers/
While the organization is currently partnered with several agencies in Brooklyn and Manhattan, it is looking to expand to the other three Burroughs. With that effort comes the need for increased awareness across New York City and of course increased funding. Please help us support transformative justice and art over jail by considering donating if you are able to, in order to make sure this amazing program is maintained as a viable sentencing option! And of course, spread the word!
The link to donate is below, thank you so much for your support!