Those in prison may help save the arts

Minnesota is lucky to have an organization, Art from the Inside, which supports artists who are incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, holding regular exhibitions of their work. Its leaders hope to create a dedicated space for this project that would allow artists who are re-entering society to have a place to work and thrive. It’s exactly what is needed both for those artists and for art.

Too often, the barriers that contributed to incarceration like housing instability, limited employment opportunities, isolation, and lack of access to a supportive community are still waiting on the other side of the prison gate.AFTI's answer is Phoenix Rising Artist Lofts.

Art from the Inside has been selected as a 2026 MN Cup Semi-Finalist!

MN Cup is one of Minnesota's largest and most competitive startup competitions, supporting entrepreneurs and organizations with bold ideas that create meaningful social and economic impact. Being selected as a semi-finalist is an incredible honor, and we're grateful to be recognized alongside so many innovative organizations across Minnesota.

This is an affirmation that the voices, talents, and creative leadership of justice-impacted artists deserve to be seen, valued, and invested in. It also gives us an opportunity to share our vision for Phoenix Rising which is a first-of-its-kind creative community where justice-impacted artists can live, create, earn, and inspire others.

‘Art is essential’: Art advocates from across the state go to the Capitol

“Art is a tool that could be used for healing and transformation in all of us,” Espinosa. 

The nonprofit provides a platform for incarcerated artists, including exhibitions such as “Spoken Heart,” which opens April 19 at Westminster Church in Minneapolis.

Inaugural NoLo Art Fair Debuts December 4-5 with works by AFTI artists Jaik Elliott and Lennel Matin.

Davis by Daniel Gonzales is one of several pieces acquired by the Minneapolis College for it’s permanent collection

Creative Pathways is a holistic support program designed to empower formerly incarcerated artists by fostering personal growth, wellness, and professional development.

Exploring creativity, mindfulness and connection

Antonio Espinosa, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

AG exhibit interview by Leon Benson

AG exhibit interview by Leon Benson

from HOTLINE …

Meet artists, Amanda Peltier, David Lenarz Jr., and Lennell Martin! 

Art from the Inside shares the experiences of artists serving time and when they come home and the the power of art to heal and transform.

Seeking Visual Teaching Artists – Supportive Arts Programming in Minnesota Correctional Facilities

Corrections officials, inmates say MN prison conditions a matter of public safety from the Pioneer Press April 7, 2024

Inside & Out: The Humanities and Mass Incarceration

Meeting to bring together humanities councils, community members, and organizers to consider to share, connect, and consider the role of the humanities in mass incarceration.

Justice RE-IMAGINED

Applications are now being accepted for the Justice Re-Imagined Youth Fellowship 2024!

Looking to Expand our Team - Maybe it’s you!
Arts and Wellness Facilitator

AFTI artist, Lux Thunberg, was invited to take part in the "Beauty from Ashes" Exhibition curated by Art is my Weapon featuring multiple talented artists of different disciplines who created meaningful artwork from decommissioned gun parts collected in a 2022 "Quick Connect" Buy Back program developed to get weapons off of the streets of Minnesota.