Prison Creative Arts Project: Imagination in the Face of Incarceration

Take Our Survey: Vote for your favorite LF Show episodes HERE November 28th is Giving Tuesday.  This show is made possible by listeners like you!  Make a one time donation or make it monthly at LauraFlanders.org/DonateWhat difference can art make for people in prison? The state of Michigan spends $48,000 per prisoner every year — with little to no money going towards funding for prison education, art and rehabilitation programs. The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) is an independent program of the University of Michigan that supports formerly incarcerated artists, facilitates creative arts workshops and even hosts an annual exhibition to showcase incarcerated artists’ work. PCAP was founded by William “Buzz” Alexander, the late husband of Janie Paul, the curator of PCAP and author of the book based on the project: “Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance”, out now via Hat and Beard Press. As you’ll hear in the program, the work of PCAP has built a vibrant community of artists inside and outside prison walls. Joining us for this conversation are Janie Paul and artist Yusef Qualls, known as Q. He was released from prison five months ago after being sentenced to life as a minor and serving 28 years. Danny Valentine is a formerly incarcerated artist also featured in the book, who credits PCAP for saving his life. What can incarcerated artists teach us about why humans make art and the power it holds? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on poets imagining Gaza.“People in prison are treated as objects . . . [Art] is not just a hobby, it's a way for someone to stop being an object in someone else's world and to be the subject making choices, having pleasure and making something that is very valuable. “ - Janie Paul“I lost uncles and aunts and cousins, my son's mother, girlfriends, best friends . . . Art was my way of going inside myself and talking about these things . . .” - Q (Yusef Qualls)“This whole prison system is nothing but a form of slavery. It takes advantage of the socioeconomically challenged . . . If we keep pushing the truth out there through art and other forms, we can bring this lie to the common people . . . ” - Danny ValentineGuests:Janie Paul: Author, Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance; Emerita Professor of Art, University of Michigan; Curator, Prison Creative Arts ProjectQ (Yusef Qualls): Former Juvenile Lifer & Incarcerated ArtistDanny Valentine: Formerly Incarcerated Artist Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more.Music In the Middle:  “Propaganda” featuring Brijean by Lindsey Olsen aka Salami Rose Joe Louis from her album Akousmatikous released on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label. And additional music included- "Steppin," "Beachhead," and "Ocean Point" by Podington Bear. 🎧 LOOKING FOR UNCUT INTERVIEWS?  check our podcast feed the following week.  Thanks to our sustaining members and their monthly support.  This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! The Laura Flanders Show Crew:  Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper FOLLOW The Laura Flanders ShowTwitter: twitter.com/thelfshowFacebook: facebook.com/theLFshowInstagram: instagram.com/thelfshow/YouTube:  youtube.com/@thelfshow ACCESSIBILITY - This episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel