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Advocates, Artists and Donors Unite to Protect Incarcerated Youth

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About the Fund The Art for Justice Fund is a time-limited grantmaking initiative that supports advocates and artists working to transform the justice system. Our unique approach fuels policy reform and creative expression to disrupt mass incarceration. Art collector and philanthropist, Agnes Gund, established the Fund by selling her favorite painting, Masterpiece, by Roy Lichtenstein, and contributing the proceeds. A small group of Founding Donors soon joined her.

To be effective, the Fund relies on alchemy -- the “seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.” The sale of Masterpiece transformed its use and function – from a painting enlivening Agnes’ home to an unexpected tool to win justice reform. Providing support to visual artists, writers, and musicians creates a cadre of like-minded artists who amplify the message to end mass incarceration. Combining the power of advocacy and art builds the public will for change and makes visible the human dimension of injustice.
"Artists are resilient. We are adept at staying present in the moment, trusting our gut, and adapting as needed. When young people who are currently locked away are silenced, like they are during this Covid-19 crisis, we use our creative resources to make sure their voices are loud, powerful, and drive advocacy efforts."
–Trey Hartt, Mark Strandquist, and Gina Lyles, Co-Directors, Performing Statistics

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An Urgent Response A potent example of alchemy occurred two weeks ago when Madeleine Rudin, a Founding Donor, contacted the Fund. She’d read about the impact of coronavirus on the juvenile justice system. “When I heard of the dire situation of incarcerated youth at risk of contracting Covid-19, I understood the urgent need for their swift release into a safe environment,” Madeleine shared. “The issues that Art for Justice tackles strike a chord with me above any others. My feeling was and is, ‘If I can make a difference, I will try to do so.’”
Photo of Madeleine Rudin
Two days later, she donated $1 million to launch a rapid response initiative to protect young people in the justice system.

“When the Art for Justice Fund started in 2017, Madeleine Rudin was one of the first people to contribute. She’s a philanthropic leader and I admire her family’s long standing support of the arts and social justice,” said Agnes Gund. “For her to learn about the Covid-19 crisis in youth detention facilities and then respond by making a significant donation to help protect the health and rights of our children is both timely and generous. As a mother and grandmother, I know with certainty that overcrowded jails and prisons are not a place for kids. We can and must do better—especially during this pandemic.”
“When the pandemic hit, our state campaign partners quickly mobilized to call for young people’s release. With family visits cut off, no programming or educational classes, and serious staff shortages that result in 23 hour a day lockdowns in their cells, youth behind bars are facing an even worse situation. Advocacy to bring youth home and end the harmful and inhumane practice of incarceration is needed now more than ever."
–Liz Ryan, Executive Director, Youth First

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Making a Difference The majority of Madeleine’s gift will support the Youth First State Advocacy Fund, a mechanism for investing in campaigns led by the most impacted communities, young people of color. Grants are also going to Performing Statistics, a cultural organizing project using art to model, imagine, and advocate for alternatives to youth incarceration, and Youth Justice Coalition, building a youth, family, and formerly and currently incarcerated people’s movement to challenge America’s addiction to incarceration -- especially in Los Angeles.

When advocates, artists and donors combine forces to disrupt mass incarceration, real change is secured. With gratitude to the Fund’s generous supporters and tireless grantee partners.
“As hard as COVID-19 hit communities, it’s had an even more devastating impact on people in custody. For formerly incarcerated youth and adults along with families of people still trapped inside, it has required building an emergency online movement to push system officials for mass releases from lock-ups, due process rights, and health protection and treatment.”
–Kim McGill, Organizer, Youth Justice Coalition
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