Arts Activism & Youth in the System: Youth (Off)Ending the Justice System

New York is one of two states in the U.S. that charges youth who are 16-18 as adults in the criminal justice system. How can we raise awareness through arts advocacy about this important human rights issue? Partnering with Brian Lewis and exalt, which works with young people in the criminal justice system, and arts activist Rasu Jilani, this weekend-long symposium includes an academic course, workshops, panel discussions, and arts events that focus on youth in the criminal justice system and the “Raise the Age” campaign.

16-Bars: Youth (Off)ending Justice is exalt’s first Documentary Theater production. The production was written and produced by exalt alumni over the summer and will feature theater scenes, original music, spoken word and moving images, all with the purpose of shining a light on the lives of the youth who are caught in the criminal justice system. Instead of having a traditional panel discussion, following the performance, elected officials and practitioners who have led the way in foraging a more just vision for youth in the system, will respond to short selections from the script, in order to instigate a critical dialogue and discussion on the themes raised in the young people’s work. They will also provide information on how the public can get involved and take action on these issues.

This symposium is unique because the young people most impacted by the issues- court-involved teens- will share their stories and perspectives with legal professionals, legislators and the public. By sharing their stories, exalt hopes to provoke the imaginations of individuals with the power to enact policies and shape legislation that can ultimately determine the likelihood that young people can pursue educational advancement, professional development, and criminal justice system avoidance, OR continue to face a punitive system that incarcerates them, stunts their potential and limits their opportunities.

The symposium will run concurrently with Arts Advocacy: Youth in the System – a Civic Liberal Arts course based on Sekou Sundiata’s methods of making as a way of thinking and re-imagining the possible. Registered students will create their own proposals for Arts as Activism and the class will function as a brainstorming lab on how to address social problems with art.

We believe university students are an important tipping point for social movements. This event will also seek to get key actors (legislatures, prosecutors, elected officials, and the general public) in the room to experience the power of the art.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Please register at our EventBrite page.

Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall , A 106

66 West 12th Street , New York, NY 10011