Prison Creative Arts Project

Workshops & Courses

PCAP offers programming year-round that brings the University of Michigan community and those impacted by the justice system into creative collaboration for mutual learning and growth.

Exhibits

PCAP exhibits bring the artwork of incarcerated artists into the public realm in order to humanize prisoners, break stereotypes and create dialogue about mass incarceration.

The Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing showcases the talent and diversity of writers incarcerated in Michigan. It features writing from both beginning and experienced writers - writing that comes from the heart and is unique, well-crafted, and lively.

Linkage Community

The Linkage Community is an alliance of artists and creators with lived experience in prison who are interested in deepening their craft in spaces of radical acceptance and authentic connections.

29th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons

Every year, PCAP presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more from incarcerated artists across Michigan prisons. This exhibit is the world's largest display of its kind, and it is a testament to the resilience of artists and the life-giving power of art under the most difficult of circumstances. It is an important reminder of the connections that sustain us all, both in the free world and behind the walls.

More info here.

Group of artists and U-M community members smiling for the camera while the artists hold up their work

Get Ready! 03.13.2024

A PERSPECTIVE SHIFT - PART ONE by Martín Vargas Newest article from the Linkage Community Journalism Initiative

2023 PCAP RECAP - A Year of Impact Watch our memories

2023 Art Auction Review Find out how it went.

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Ways to Get Involved

There are many different ways to get involved in PCAP for students, volunteers, formerly incarcerated folks, and the families and friends of people currently incarcerated.

PCAP facilitates creative arts workshops in Michigan prisons and other facilities during the fall and winter terms, run through Membership and University of Michigan courses (a September or January training session is required).
The Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons takes place in March, with opportunities to assist in collection trips, curation, sales, and programming. PCAP also supports additional smaller art exhibitions throughout the year.
The Linkage Community welcomes those who are formerly incarcerated, offering arts programming, professional development, and a social support network.
The Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing is published annually featuring the work of incarcerated writers.

Student & Volunteer Interest Form

Register for Fall Facilitator Training

PCAP Associates Alumni Group