Reconnecting, Reimagining, and Rebuilding Collective Power Through Art and Justice

VIRTUAL CONVENING

Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM EST

What to Expect on November 13

This convening will include:

  • Collective updates, highlights and announcements

  • A guided discussion on national organizing and collaboration in today’s evolving climate for nonprofits

    • Moderator: Shaun Leonardo

      • Panelists: Dr. Corey Greene, Isaac I. Scott, and More

  • ✨ Featured speaker lineup to be announced soon!

About the Convening

In 2023, hundreds of artists, organizers, educators, and advocates came together to conduct one of the largest national needs assessments in the art and justice field. Together, we created a space to listen, learn, and lift up the challenges and opportunities faced by those working at the intersection of creativity and justice.

Since that time, the Art + Justice National Collective has taken meaningful steps forward. Working groups formed to:

  • Develop fundraising tools to support smaller organizations.

  • Design a research-focused project to help arts organizations track and improve their impact when working with justice-impacted communities.

These initiatives were built directly from the needs identified by our collective members.

Why This Convening Matters

As organizers, practitioners, and leaders in this field, we understand the importance of sharing resources, amplifying each other’s work, and standing in solidarity—especially with organizations in under-resourced areas that continue to lead transformative community work.

The need for collective power, collaboration, and mutual support has only grown clearer.

That’s why we are re-launching the Art + Justice National Collective with a new, lighter, and more sustainable model designed for greater impact.

MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

MISSION STATEMENT

A collaborative initiative between Justice Arts Coalition and Arts Justice Safety Coalition

We believe prisons are detrimental to individual welfare and social well-being. We advocate for more avenues and resources for creative self-expression and work to uplift its benefits and empowerment. Our mission is rooted in an unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. We nurture partnerships, foster growth among kindred organizations nationwide, and aim to shape public dialogues and decisions that impact those we serve.

The Art + Justice National Collective is committed to connecting and empowering individuals and organizations working at the intersection of arts and justice. 

GOALS

Resource Sharing Goals
Facilitate the exchange of current financial, intellectual, and social resources among participating groups, reducing the labor involved in creating programs and publications from the ground up.

National Funding Network Goals
Develop a strategic framework to establish a national database of funding sources and opportunities, and provide training and resources to support fundraising efforts.

Communication Strategies Goals
Collaboratively design and implement shared communication strategies to disseminate our work and engage others.

National Arts/Justice Promotion Goals
Promote arts/justice programming on a national scale, highlighting not only its existence and champions but also its intrinsic value.

Resource Sharing Objectives 

  • Create a platform or system for seamless sharing of financial, intellectual, and social resources among participating groups.

  • Provide training and resources to participating organizations on effective resource utilization and program development.

  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of resource sharing initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed for maximum impact.

Collaborative Programming Goals
Create and implement collaborative programming to elevate public awareness and reshape the narrative surrounding the value that the arts have in shaping public narrative around mass incarceration and abolition, as well as in individual and collective transformation and healing.

Data Research and Tracking Goals
Conduct in-depth research and meticulously track data relevant to our mission and objectives.

Ethical and Collaborative Practices Goals
Hold ourselves accountable to work ethically, collaboratively, and respectfully in all endeavors.

OBJECTIVES

National Funding Network Objectives

  • Identify and engage potential funding partners, both individuals and organizations, who share our mission and vision.

  • Provide workshops and materials to help organizations develop  specific approaches for securing financial support.

  • Establish clear metrics for measuring the impact of funding on the initiatives at the intersection of arts and justice.

Collaborative Programming Objectives

  • Form partnerships with key stakeholders, including artists, justice advocates, and community leaders, to develop impactful collaborative programs.

  • Conduct regular assessments of the effectiveness and reach of collaborative programs, using feedback to refine and improve offerings.

  • Leverage technology and social media to amplify the reach and impact of collaborative programming efforts.

Data Research and Tracking Objectives

  • Establish a dedicated research team or collaborate with existing research organizations to gather relevant data.

  • Analyze and interpret collected data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement at the intersection of arts and justice.

  • Disseminate research findings to inform decision-making and advocacy efforts.

Communication Strategies Objectives

  • Develop a comprehensive communication plan that outlines targeted messaging, channels, and audiences.

  • Cultivate relationships with media outlets, influencers, and stakeholders to amplify our message and raise awareness.

  • Monitor and assess the effectiveness of communication strategies, making adjustments based on feedback and metrics.

Ethical and Collaborative Practices Objectives

  • Establish clear ethical guidelines and standards of conduct for all members and partners within the National Collective.

  • Provide ongoing training and resources to ensure that ethical and collaborative practices are consistently upheld.

  • Implement mechanisms for accountability and feedback to maintain high standards of conduct.

National Arts/Justice Promotion Objectives

  • Develop a comprehensive promotion strategy that highlights the impact and value of arts/justice programming on a national scale.

  • Identify and engage influencers, advocates, and ambassadors to champion the cause and promote our initiatives.

  • Monitor and evaluate the reach and effectiveness of promotional efforts, refining strategies for greater impact.

Relationship Building and Collaborative Community Goals
Prioritize relationships, creating awareness of other organizations and the work being done nationally, while fostering communication and collaboration in community.

Relationship Building and Collaborative Community Objectives

  • Actively seek out opportunities for networking, collaboration, and partnership building within the arts and justice community.

  • Foster a culture of inclusivity and mutual support among participating organizations and individuals.

  • Evaluate and celebrate successful collaborations, showcasing them as models for future community-building efforts.