ABSTRACT
This chapter will engage in reflection that explores the evolution of the Boston University Prison Arts Project, from the Empowering Song course first led in Massachusetts prisons over a decade ago, to current projects that bring together currently and formerly incarcerated individuals with students and the broader community in to share in the power of music, theater, spoken word, movement, visual art, and creative play and connect with one another and the outside world. André and Krystal will write collaboratively with Wayland, who is currently incarcerated and reflect on the realities, barriers, and moments of beauty in collaboration across a prison divide. We will share guiding principles that privilege the incarcerated voice in various artistic spaces to create proximity, engage in deep and meaningful connection, and spread messages and stories beyond prison walls.
