Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)

The RTA team is beyond thrilled to introduce our new Executive Director, Jermaine Archer. An alum of RTA’s programs and a longtime leader in our community, Jermaine will bring his brilliant vision and lived experience as he leads RTA into the bright future ahead, creating opportunities for thousands of incarcerated people to participate in transformative arts-based programs and to create bright futures for themselves with the tools they learn in the program. “This is a full circle with a full heart moment,” Jermaine said of this new role. “RTA changed my life. It’s more than an organization to me; it’s family, and it feels good to be coming home. RTA is a creative outlet but also a community and a path to a better life. I have experience on both sides of the wall, and I’m honored and excited to play a lead role in ushering in this exciting new chapter of growth for RTA — reaching as many people as possible with these essential programs and transforming our criminal legal system into one based on dignity, respect, creativity, and possibility.” ?????? https://lnkd.in/em2fhP52

SING SING hits Max today! —let’s do more than just watch. ?? Join our virtual Meet & Greet on April 3 with RTA’s Executive Director Jermaine Archer and SING SING stars Clarence Maclin & Sean “Dino” Johnson to hear the real stories behind the film. ?? Host a house party—bring people together to watch SING SING and turn the moment into action by launching a fundraising page in support of RTA’s work. Be part of the movement. https://lnkd.in/eqghT2k9 Don't have Max? SING SING is available on streaming platforms everywhere—including Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Prime Video, and Plex.

In this clip from this year’s Homecoming, RTA Alum Dennis Woodbine shares how he discovered RTA, the impact it had on his life, and how he applied the skills he learned to thrive after coming home. Now, as the founder of Finish Strong, he’s using those same skills to uplift his community. Finish Strong promotes the strengths and abilities of young people by providing trauma-informed services that empower and enrich them to face life’s challenges with confidence and dignity. His story is one of many—beyond SING SING, our alumni continue to inspire with their success. ??? Watch and celebrate their journeys with us!

Hector 'Bori' Rodriguez’s art is on display at the Katonah Village Library! ??? Opening night was a beautiful gathering, with so many from the RTA community showing up in support. If you haven’t seen his work yet, there’s still time—his exhibit will be up until 3/29! Plus, don’t miss a special chance to hear from Bori himself at an artist talk on 3/26 from 6–7 PM. Mark your calendars and experience his powerful pieces in person!

"Find a way to make the time serve you." In this TEDx SING SING talk hosted by Hudson Link, then RTA participant—now alum and our Executive Director—Jermaine Archer shares how he made the time serve him during his incarceration. By creating a "Can’t Do" list and staying away from anything unproductive, he built the foundation for everything he’s accomplished since. That mindset led him to where he is today. Watch his powerful talk here: https://lnkd.in/edisHa_A

Equity. Voice. Justice. Bayard Rustin fought for civil rights while facing discrimination for both his race and sexuality—proving that justice must include everyone. His legacy reminds us that true change means uplifting every voice. Colman Domingo brought Rustin’s story to life in Rustin and continues to champion powerful storytelling in SING SING. At RTA, we believe in the power of the arts to break barriers and build a more just world.

Imagine a world where every prison had an arts program. The impact is real—emotional healing, critical life skills, and a recidivism rate of less than 3% for participants. But right now, many facilities still don’t have access to programs like RTA. Want to help? Share this post, spread awareness, and support organizations bringing the arts inside. Together, we can make transformation possible.

We’re incredibly grateful to partner with Katonah Museum of Art (KMA) on the Building Bridges: Prison Arts Initiative, now in its fourth year. KMA writer-in-residence and RTA Teaching Artist, Pamela Hart, worked with a group of RTA participants at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in the poetry workshop. The writers engaged the “Jonathan Becker: Lost Time” exhibition, using the photographs from the show as a tool to create poems and explore the power of imagery to unlock their imagination. Poetry is an exercise that allows self-expression, builds vocabulary, and develops writing skills. A huge thank you to the KMA for showcasing the moving words of our participants and to Pamela for nurturing these voices. ?? You can read the rest of these beautiful ekphrastic poems created in this workshop through the link below: https://lnkd.in/eDVYmtE3

?? Happy Birthday, Charles Moore! ?? Charles is the heart of RTA. He’s been with us for over 20 years—9 of them as our Director of Programs—helping to shape the organization and inspire everyone around him. He’s living proof of the power of the arts and the unstoppable drive of our alumni. In this clip from our SING SING talkback at Purchase College, Charles shares a memory from his first RTA production, August Wilson's "Jitney"—a role that helped move the play forward, just like he moves RTA forward every day. Join us in celebrating Charles and all that he brings to our community!

Reentry isn’t just about returning—it’s about envisioning a future and taking steps to make it a reality. Reimagining Myself? is RTA’s reentry program designed to help incarcerated individuals prepare for life beyond prison, building skills, confidence, and a strong support network. In our Lived Experience video series, alumni share firsthand insights about the reentry journey. In this snippet, Keith Gaffney discusses the power of visualization—how imagining where you want to be after release can set the foundation for success. Watch now to hear his story. https://lnkd.in/eGxvXkyk