Eastern State Launches “ReVision: Art and Justice”
A new era of creative activism begins at one of Philadelphia’s most historic landmarks. Art at Eastern State arrives with the announcement of “ReVision: Art and Justice”, a multi-year artist residency and exhibition series designed to spotlight the voices and visions of justice-impacted artists. This ambitious initiative by Eastern State Penitentiary amplifies the power of art to provoke dialogue, shift narratives, and humanize the complex realities of mass incarceration.
Through residencies, site-specific installations, and a suite of public programs, “ReVision: Art and Justice” aims to broaden how we experience both the physical space of Eastern State and the societal structures it represents. It’s a thoughtful and timely extension of the institution’s growing reputation for presenting art that doesn’t just adorn the walls—but challenges minds.
The program will unfold over three years, with each artist-in-residence working closely with staff, collaborators, and community partners over an eight-month span. Each residency will culminate in a major new installation—scheduled for fall 2026, summer 2027, and spring 2028—offering visitors not only powerful visual experiences but also insight into the artists’ journeys and the systemic issues they confront.
Art at Eastern State Deepens the Legacy of Activism and Art
The launch of “ReVision: Art and Justice” is a natural evolution of Eastern State’s longstanding engagement with justice-themed artwork. From Mark Menjivar’s “DLP Mirror” to Mark Loughney’s poignant “Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration”, the institution has consistently showcased projects that bridge the gap between aesthetic expression and civic consciousness.
This next chapter raises the stakes—and the standard. Each participating artist will bring a lived experience of the justice system, offering a depth of perspective rarely encountered in traditional art spaces. Supported by a generous $360,000 grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, the series signals a bold commitment to long-form collaboration and community-focused storytelling.
As Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State Penitentiary, explains, “Eastern State was founded on a radical belief in human dignity and our capacity for change, and this program carries that legacy forward in a meaningful way. “ReVision: Art and Justice” amplifies the voices of artists directly impacted by the justice system and strengthens our commitment to inspiring a more just future.”
Lauren Zalut, Senior Director of Learning & Engagement, adds, “Art has the power to connect people and spark conversations beyond the limits of words alone. This residency model creates space for justice-impacted artists to lead, teach, and reshape public understanding of incarceration in America.”
Art at Eastern State Builds Toward a More Just Cultural Future
This latest evolution of Art at Eastern State is a blueprint for how cultural institutions can catalyze justice. With each artist residency, Eastern State will serve as both canvas and collaborator, becoming a platform for transformative storytelling that reflects Philadelphia’s complex relationship with history, incarceration, and change.
As the residencies progress, the public will be invited to engage not only with the final artworks but also with the artists themselves through behind-the-scenes digital content, educational programming, and immersive installations that challenge perceptions and foster connection. This is about shifting the frame of how art is showcased. Expect “ReVision: Art and Justice” to reshape the conversation around prison reform and public memory, both inside the walls of Eastern State and far beyond them.
Stay tuned for announcements regarding selected artists, installation dates, and public engagement opportunities. If you’ve ever wondered how art can move people to see justice differently, Art at Eastern State is where that vision is coming to life.
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