Outside Exhibits & Workshops

Past Exhibitions & Programs

Unchained Voices

A group of forensic social workers and criminal defense attorneys founded Chained Voices in 2015. Their mission was driven by the power of sharing impressive artwork created by their clients who were convicted of life without the possibility of parole before the age of 18. As Chained Voices partnered with the DU Prison Arts Initiative beginning in 2020, the art show grew to share the work of over 150 artists each show, including people of all ages and in many stages of the legal process. As the artists diversified, some supporters and participants have questioned the name Chained Voices. The Chained Voices Committee and DU PAI have taken this feedback seriously. We agree that Unchained Voices more thoroughly embodies the power of art to unite and heal. Make no mistake, the work to create a just system that sustains connections between those in prison and the larger community is far from done. Nonetheless, we have an opportunity today to update our name and honor the efforts and evolution of our tiny art program, our dedicated volunteers and employees, and most importantly, our incredible artists.

Artwork pictured: "SCF 2013" by Christopher Allen, incarcerated at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility.