Resources: Prison Writing / Arts Programs

PARC corresponds with and mails a directory of these resources to prisoners, their friends and family members. We are often the first point of contact for people to connect with prisoners' rights organizations, community organizations, prison literature and arts projects, family and visiting resources, health care and legal resources, parole and pre-release resources, and the prison abolition movement.

Download a PDF copy of the November 2024 Edition here.

Resource Category
CCWP Writing Warriors

Writing Warriors Advocacy through Correspondence project establishes supportive relationships between volunteers in the community and people incarcerated at the women's prisons in California. The program is part of a collective undertaking which trains correspondents to promote advocacy for incarcerated people.  Writing Warriors volunteers primarily communicate via GTL email but can also correspond thru U.S. mail via the CCWP Oakland office address. Only provides services to California prisons.


Women's Organizations and Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs, California
Impartial

Impartial is a US criminal justice non-profits that serves other criminal justice non-profits. The way we do that is through our programs. One of those programs is working with prisoner artwork and/or stories. To the extent that the inmate/third party is allowed to receive compensation or donate their artwork, we offer ways to auction, exhibit or other means to optimize artwork. Artwork starts conversations in a unique way. Knowing your story often enhances the viewer's experience. Write directly to Impartial for more information about telling your story or working with your artwork. Serves artists and storytellers nationally.


 


Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
PEN America Prison Justice and Writing

Since the mid-1970s, PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program (PJW) has supported and amplified the work of thousands of writers who are creating while incarcerated in the United States. Recognizing that the freedom to write in U.S. prisons is a critical free expression issue of our time, PJW leverages the transformative possibilities of writing to raise public consciousness about incarceration and justice, and supports the development of justice-involved literary talent. The annual PEN Prison Writing Awards recognizes exceptional works in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and playwriting/screenwriting with cash prizes, development support through the PEN Prison Writing Mentorship Program, and publication in an annual anthology series. Additionally, by providing free copies of our recently updated handbook, The Sentences that Create Us: Crafting a Writer's Life in Prison (Haymarket Books, 2022), PJW strives to bridge access to the broader literary community. Serves writers nationally.


Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
Prison Creative Arts Project

Brings those impacted by the justice system together with the University of Michigan community for artistic collaboration, mutual learning, and growth. Its programs include weekly creative arts workshops, exhibitions, a literary journal, and a community of formerly incarcerated creators. Write to PCAP to join the newsletter mailing list and receive its calls for art and writing. Michigan only.


 


Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
Prisons Foundation

Prisons Foundation for more than 20 years provides prison authors and others with free and low-cost services including books on Amazon and elsewhere, literary agent representation, advice on how to legally avoid being placed on the sex offenders registry, advocacy services to pursue grievances, and video production for placement of your story on YouTube. Write Prisons Foundation, 2512 Virginia Ave NW, Suite 58043, Washington, DC 20037; Include SASE for quick reply. Serves writers nationally.


Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project

The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project at Auburn University APAEP offers access to educational opportunities to people currently and formerly incarcerated across the state. The APAEP community cultivates inclusive, student-centered spaces for creativity, exploration, and lifelong relationships with learning. We value respect, dignity, equity, compassion, and innovation. Serves Alabama only.


Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs
The American Prison Writing Archive

The American Prison Writing Archive (APWA) is a growing public, internet-based collection of non-fiction writing about direct experience with the U.S. prison system. Anyone who has been incarcerated or has volunteered inside can send handwritten or typed pieces. All writing skill levels are welcome. 5,000 word limit. We read and respond to all writing. No reading fees or SASE required. A signed Permissions-Questionnaire (PQ) form is required for writing to be included in the APWA. For more information, or to receive our PQ form, please write to our physical address.Serves writers nationally.


Educational Resources, Prison Writing / Arts Programs