Prison Arts Initiative

The IU Prison Arts Initiative pilot took place in fall 2022. Preliminary work, planning, and coordination began as of fall 2021. The primary purpose of this initiative was to administer one IU-sponsored course in one Indiana correctional facility for a 16-week semester. Although it was not a credit-bearing course, the class utilized IU instructors and college-level coursework and maintained the same IU standard of excellence for both the students (inmates) and the instructors. The initial course was based in visual art. At the end of the semester, this team produced a compilation/ exhibition/ publication of student work that was given to the students as well as shared across IU. The hope is that this course generates excitement and credibility on campus and in correctional facilities to ensure the future sustainability of the program.