ABSTRACT 

This paper explores the transformative potential of arts programming as a means of rehabilitation, reintegration, personal growth and community building for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society.  This includes art making as a tool for the enhancement of social and emotional well-being, the development of essential life skills, and reintegration of these individuals into their chosen communities.

Based on community artmaking, surveys, interviews, and workshops with Project Rebound students who were incarcerated before attending college,  evidence from this study and the extant literature suggests that participation in artmaking  programs offers therapeutic outlets for self-expression, fosters a sense of empowerment, and encourages personal growth and self-awareness, thereby facilitating the cultivation of new post incarcerated artists and community leaders. Finally, this paper explores how arts-based initiatives can be instrumental in reducing recidivism rates by offering post-incarcerated individuals a chance to explore new identities and skills, build self-esteem, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways. Through a combination analysis, the paper demonstrates how arts programming can address a spectrum of issues related to reintegration, including but not limited to unemployment and mental health challenges. 

This paper presents an argument for the expansion and integration of arts programming within the broader framework of reentry initiatives, underscoring the potential of the arts to help post-incarcerated students embark on a journey of healing, transformation, and social reconnection. The findings and insights presented herein contribute to a growing body of research advocating for innovative approaches to reintegration that prioritize the well-being and success of those who have experienced incarceration.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/s4655q644