MICHIGAN - Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP)

The Prison Creative Arts Project
University of Michigan
3187 Angell Hall
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Buzz Alexander, Founder
4210 Eastgate Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-426-4819

Population Served: individuals incarcerated in Michigan (Michigan prisons and juvenile facilities), and the formerly incarcerated

Program Description: Founded in 1990, The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) is committed to original work in the arts in Michigan correctional facilities, juvenile facilities, urban high schools, and communities across the state. PCAP’s process is guided by respect and a spirit of collaboration in which vulnerability, risk and improvisation lead to discovery. PCAP make possible the spaces in which the voices and visions of the incarcerated can be expressed. The program is housed in the Department of English language and Literature, and supported by English and the School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan. The following is taken from the program’s mission statement, “we believe that everyone has the capacity to create art. Art is necessary for individual and societal growth, connection and survival. It should be accessible to everyone. The values that guide on process are respect, collaboration in which vulnerability, risk, and improvisation lead to discovery and resilience, persistence, patience, love, and laughter.”