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SECOND CHANCE MONTH
April is Second Chance Month. Second Chance Month is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the barriers that those with a criminal record face in the United States. 

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The Confined Arts believes in the power of art as a tool for political and social transformation and is committed to highlighting the role of the arts to: (1) offer second chance opportunities to artists who have been impacted by the criminal legal system, and (2) change the dehumanizing narratives that prevent people from receiving second chances post-incarceration. Art, as a political and social tool, is overlooked and undervalued by leaders who do not utilize arts advocacy tools. TCA believes art should be in every change agent’s toolbox as a means to change perception, build relationships, and foster action. We recognize the importance of deconstructing collateral consequences and making it easier for formerly-incarcerated people to live in a free and fulfilling way.

During Second Chance Month, it is imperative that we refrain from engaging in narratives that misrepresent the reality of criminalization. As such, we critique the idea that some people deserve a second chance and others don’t. This hypocrisy is seen through advocacy geared towards people who commit nonviolent crimes and gain leniency that is not afforded to everyone. Additionally, we believe those who commit crimes that are categorized as violent are deserving of second chances as well. We also recognize that the system allows people in power the ability to give and/or deny other people opportunities to rebuild their lives. We cannot continue living in a world in which a few decide the fate of many. We must envision a world in which people are not held back by cultural limitations, arbitrary decision-making, and structural violence. As mass incarceration is a system predicated on eliminating first chances, we question the rhetoric of Second Chance Month but remain committed to using creativity to support those who have been formerly incarcerated. 

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© 2020 THE CONFINED ARTS

The images, pictures, videos, and text on this website are copyrighted and may not be downloaded or reproduced. These materials may be used only for Educational Purposes. They include extracts of copyright works copied under copyright licences. You may not copy or distribute any part of this material to any other person. Where the material is provided to you in electronic format you may download or print from it for your own use, but not for redistribution. You may not download or make a further copy for any other purpose. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action.
The Confined Arts Program located at Columbia University and is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non‐profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of THE CONFINED ARTS must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” and are tax‐deductible to the extent permitted by law
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Open Call for Clemency
Viral Monologues
From the Inside Out
​132 Chicago Calls
Claiming the Justice Narrative
​Newark Public Arts
​Lyrics for Change
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​Claiming the Visual Narrative​

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  • Who We Are
    • OUR MISSION
    • Community Advocates
    • FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    • TCA SITES
    • Contact US
  • WHAT WE DO
    • EVENTS >
      • LANGUAGE CONFERENCE
      • Post Traumatic Prison Disorder Town Hall
    • Exhibitions >
      • Open Call for Clemency
      • Reclaiming the Narrative
      • Women in Prison
    • Storytelling Projects >
      • The Viral Monologues
      • 132 Calls
    • Arts education
    • Public Arts
  • HOW WE WORK
    • STRATEGIC ARTS ENGAGEMENT
    • Coalition Building
    • COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
    • Capacity Building
  • News & Events
    • EVENTS CALENDAR
    • NEWS UPDATES
    • TCA Opinions
  • DONATE AND SUPPORT
  • Get Involved