Guiding Principles for Impact Arts
(with thanks and acknowledgment to Mariame Kaba)
Our programming fosters education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change. We are committed to envisioning a more just and compassionate future for all.
We are all capable of causing harm to others. Many people who cause harm are also themselves survivors of violence and harm. We are more than the harm we create.
We acknowledge the hurt and harm experienced by victims. We believe that all of us–people who have caused harm, victims, those who are incarcerated, and the broader community–are capable of change and healing.
Artists who have caused harm and been criminalized for it deserve to make art about a diversity of topics, including their experience of incarceration.
We believe in accountability. We can’t force anyone to be accountable, but we can create conditions where accountability is possible. Art-making can foster these conditions.
We resist the carceral logic of worthlessness. No one is disposable, and we do not define people by their crimes.
No single artwork or art show can solve the complex ways that harm proliferates in our society, but we are committed to exploring these issues together, in community.
No background checks: We understand background checks to be a tool of criminalization, and this stands in opposition to our principles.
We are committed to honoring the voice and autonomy of each artist. Artwork will not be removed without careful consideration, and we will prioritize the artist’s wishes whenever possible. The views expressed in the artwork are those of the artist, and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization.
Self-determination: We are committed to supporting the self-determination and autonomy of artists, supporting them to self-identify, including how they are named or represented.