About DU PAI

Creativity Meets Community

The DU Prison Arts Initiative generates creative and collaborative learning experiences that enrich the lives of incarcerated people and shift the conversation about prison. We foster high-quality therapeutic arts programming across Colorado in collaboration with key players in the community. The work of our organization and our partners empower individuals to improve the quality of their lives and prepare to make positive changes in their communities upon release.

Leadership

 
Kareem El Damanhoury

Kareem Raouf El Damanhoury

Associate Professor

Learn More

 
A woman looks at paintings created by an incarcerated artist.

Our Values

At the DU Prison Arts Initiative, we're dedicated to serving the public good. 

  • We provide therapeutic and educational creative arts programming to incarcerated people and their families in Colorado state prisons;
  • We facilitate dialogue and storytelling between incarcerated people and their communities via exhibits, performances, media and commissioned works;
  • We create caring communities for students characterized by learning, creative expression and authentic human connection;
  • We deliver shared, arts-based learning experiences to incarcerated people, correctional staff and DU students; 
  • We engage leadership of incarcerated people in the development and delivery of programming.

 

du pai family event background photo

Your support provides learning experiences that enrich lives across Colorado.

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