Exhibits, Workshops & Discussions
We help organize exhibits and community events featuring the creative works of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists. We also support the building of safe spaces for discussions around rehabilitation through the arts, including the quarterly speaker series "Art Saves Lives" which spotlights the journeys of artists in and outside prisons.
We are partnering with DU's Vicki Myhren Gallery and RedLine Contemporary Art Center to organize a mural workshop led by a formerly incarcerated artist with justice-impacted youth, culminating in the display of a large-scale mural in galleries.
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.
Showcasing Incarcerated Artists Across Colorado and Beyond
In addition to showcasing work created by people who are incarcerated through Unchained Voices, DU PAI develops and maintains a variety of partnerships with galleries and institutions across Colorado. These relationships support incarcerated artists as they create work to be seen by the general public. Each show is an opportunity to engage with people, shared humanity, and artmaking behind the walls through gallery experiences, talkbacks, reflections, and community-based events.
Previous Shows
- Chained Voices Art Show at Denver Arts & Venue's McNichols Building: June - September 2022
- Chained Voices Art Show at DU and Cottonwood Center for the Arts: September 2021
- Chained Voices Virtual Art Show: November 2020
- Inside Stories at Cottonwood Center for the Arts: March 2020