The event will include an in-depth introduction to Illinois Humanities’ uniquely interactive new program, Envisioning Justice: RE:ACTION, a digital exhibition and activation kit that uses the arts and humanities to imagine a future without mass incarceration. Viewers will be introduced to the artists and humanists behind RE:ACTION, view some of their work, and learn about the prompts they designed for the Activation Kit.

Virtual guided walk-throughs and interviews are available now to the press. Contact Sarah Sommers at COMMUNICATIONS@ILHUMANITIES.ORG | 773-251-4772.

CHICAGO, APRIL 4, 2022 —

April 6, 2022 at 12pm CST, Illinois Humanities will host RE:ACTION: An Introduction, a free, virtual exhibition opening to introduce audiences to Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION, a virtual exhibition and interactive toolkit designed to generate action, reflection, and community conversation around mass incarceration. The program will stream on Illinois Humanities’ YouTube channel, where guests can ask questions and learn more about the platform.

Featuring work by artists, humanists, journalists, filmmakers, poets, musicians, educators, and activists – many of whom are formerly or currently incarcerated, RE:ACTION was created in partnership with 14 commissioned artists and humanists (including an installation by Pulitzer Prize winner Mitchell S. Jackson). The exhibition and activation kit illustrate the impacts of mass incarceration while providing a way for participants to share their visions of justice.

Registration for the virtual event is available on Illinois Humanities’ website.

Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION is funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Art for Justice Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Additional support comes from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge and the Polk Bros. Foundation. Learn more at envisioningjustice.org.

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Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration.

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Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION features work by: