“That Dwayne Betts, Nicole Fleetwood and Desmond Meade were recognized with MacArthur Foundation awards makes me hopeful for the future. As grantee partners of Art for Justice, we’ve long known that each of them is an essential leader in the fight to end mass incarceration. Now, others will learn about their impactful efforts and understand how artists and advocates working in concert can transform the criminal legal system. For three out of twenty-five winners to have dedicated their lives to securing justice speaks to the urgency and importance of this work. I’m so excited for them and for the Art for Justice community.”
–Agnes Gund, Founder, Art for Justice Fund

When the 2021 MacArthur Fellows announcement was made on Tuesday morning, Art for Justice Fund’s listserv went into overdrive. In fact, it lit up like a Christmas tree. “YASSSSSSS!!!!” wrote a grantee partner. “MacArthur awards have never been so spot on,” said another. Not one, not two but THREE members of our community were recognized as geniuses. We say their names with pride and joy: Reginald Dwayne Betts. Nicole Fleetwood. Desmond Meade. Recognition of their work means change is happening and the criminal legal system is being transformed. We celebrate our friends and stand strong as a movement of artists, advocates and allied donors to end mass incarceration.

Reginald Dwayne Betts
Photo courtesy of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Reginald Dwayne Betts is a poet, lawyer and founder of the nonprofit, Freedom Reads. His work is informed by his experience with incarceration after being tried as an adult for a carjacking at the age of sixteen. Currently a PhD candidate at Yale Law School, Betts’ legal practice centers on fighting for clemency and parole for those facing lengthy sentences. Since 2018, he’s served as a member of Connecticut’s Criminal Justice Commission which appoints state prosecutors. Betts has published a memoir and three books of poetry, and is a frequent contributor to magazines and newspapers. In collaboration with artist Titus Kaphar, he created a series of prints using redacted criminal records overlaying Kaphar’s portraits of the plaintiffs. The resulting exhibition, Redaction, was a powerful indictment of the harms caused by cash bail. The recently launched Freedom Reads harnesses the power of literature to counter what prison does to the spirit. It supports the efforts of people in prison to
transform their lives through increased access to books, writers and performing artists. Learn more at at dwaynebetts.com ([link removed]) and Freedom Reads ([link removed]) .
“It brings me immense joy to see these leaders of the criminal justice transformation community recognized for their incredible work. As we know, using art and advocacy -- together rather than in silos -- is the cornerstone of the Art for Justice Fund’s mission. These fellowships will further ensure that the voices of those impacted are centered and leading the way to ending mass incarceration.”
–Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation

“Congratulations Nicole, Desmond and Dwayne on your MacArthur fellowships! This is fantastic news. Very well deserved.”
–Bayete Ross Smith, Multi-Media Artist

“What phenomenal news. I'm buzzing with excitement about these well-deserved awards. Made my day. Congrats!!!!”
–Gina Clayton-Johnson, Founder & Executive Director, Essie Justice Group

Nicole Fleetwood
Photo courtesy of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Nicole Fleetwood is an award winning art historian, curator and writer. Her work explores how the art of incarcerated people is essential to our understandings of contemporary art, the carceral state, and the humanity it contains. Fleetwood is the inaugural James Weldon Johnson Professor at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In part, she was motivated to turn her curatorial vision towards artistic production in and around the U.S. prison system by her experiences of visiting family members inside. Fleetwood’s 2020 book, Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration draws on interviews with more than 70 currently and formerly incarcerated artists and surveys hundreds of artworks. She developed the concept of “carceral aesthetics” to understand the works of art produced by incarcerated individuals and the constrained conditions under which they were created. Fleetwood curated a major exhibition of the same title at MoMA PS1 last year of
more than 35 justice system impacted artists. The show was deemed so important that the exhibition is currently touring the country. The punitive world of prisons might be walled off from public view, but the humanity of those inside is deeply seen. Learn more at New York University: Nicole Fleetwood ([link removed]) and Marking Time ([link removed]) .
“JUMPING for JOY! Heartfelt congratulations to Nicole, Dwayne, Desmond, and to this entire community whose collective work is beginning to receive the love and attention it deserves.”
–Helena Huang, Project Director, Art for Justice Fund

“The amount of good, calling us to our consciences, inspiring us to imagine in new ways is immeasurable. Congrats to our colleagues!”
–Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director, Illinois Humanities

“So deserved. I’m continually inspired by your leadership, long term commitment, and brilliance. You all are amazing.”
–Mark Strandquist, Creative Director, Performing Statistics

Desmond Meade
Photo courtesy of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

In 2018, Florida was one of only three states to deny voting rights to formerly incarcerated people. Thanks to the passage of Amendment 4, led by Desmond Meade, 1.4 million Floridians with previous felony convictions were able to cast their ballots. (The ruling is currently impeded by legal appeals, but the fight continues). A Civil Rights activist and lawyer by training, Meade uses his platform as Executive Director of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition to change disenfranchisement laws and other barriers preventing formerly incarcerated citizens from fully participating in civic life. As a returning citizen himself, Meade understands the stigma and discrimination people often face. He is hailed for his ability to forge unexpected coalitions across political parties and socio-economic divides. Meade’s approach centers those most affected by Florida’s harmful laws and policies and empowers formerly incarcerated people to speak on their own behalf when meeting with policymakers,
academics and community leaders. He wrote a book, Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens and was named one of Time Magazine’s 2019 100 Most Influential People in the World. Meade’s vision for mobilization and education serves as a blueprint for other states to follow. For more information, please visit desmondmeade.com and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition ([link removed]) .
“Congratulations to the fierce leaders and recipients of this most prestigious award. I value you all!”
–Topeka K. Sam, Founder & Executive Director, The Ladies of Hope Ministries

“So well deserved — and a testament to Dwayne, Nicole and Desmond’s passion, brilliance and impact, as well as the importance of this timely work.”
–Miriam Krinsky, Executive Director, Fair and Just Prosecution

“I’m over the moon. Dwayne, Desmond and Nicole are extraordinary leaders, colleagues and friends. For MacArthur Foundation to shine a light on their powerful work gives the justice transformation movement a huge boost.”
–Catherine Gund, Filmmaker and Board Member, Art for Justice Fund

About Art for Justice Fund
Art for Justice was founded in 2017 by Agnes Gund to end mass incarceration in the United States and the racism that drives it. This initiative, which will conclude in 2023, has already disbursed $90 million to radically reimagine and build a future of shared safety for all. To date, Art for Justice has made grants to 200+ artists, advocates and organizations that are transforming the criminal legal system.
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