Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)

Don't miss MSNBC's new four-part documentary series, The Sing Sing Chronicles, premiering this Saturday, November 23! The series, based on RTA colleague and partner in transforming the criminal legal system, Dan Slepian's book, follows the two-decade story of six wrongfully convicted men as they fight for exoneration. Learn more about the series and how to watch by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gr5WWQYj

Today, we’re celebrating the Katonah Museum of Art (KMA) and their incredible Building Bridges: Prison Arts Initiative. In partnership with RTA, KMA engages women incarcerated at Bedford Hills and Taconic Correctional Facilities in powerful dialogue and poetry writing workshops. Through responding to artwork from KMA exhibitions, participants explore ekphrasis—a poetic response to visual art—while building community, confidence, and creativity. Programs like this remind us of the transformative power of art to connect and inspire. We’re grateful for partners like KMA, who create spaces for expression and growth ????.

Families are at the heart of everything we do. Through creativity, collaboration, and connection, RTA helps our participants rebuild their lives and strengthen their bonds with their loved ones. ?? From sharing transformative performances to becoming better communicators, the ripple effect of RTA reaches far beyond the prison walls, touching families and communities alike. Read the latest blog on how RTA empowers families to heal and grow together. https://lnkd.in/exA-6ZFc

Meet RTA Teaching Artist Charlie Scatamacchia! Since joining RTA nearly 9 years ago, Charlie has been inspiring members through theater workshops in Character Development, Scene Study, and Performance. A series of coincidences led him to this unique path, but Charlie quickly discovered its profound impact: “I’m grateful every day to witness the transformation this work can bring.” Charlie’s workshops foster vulnerability, confidence, and personal growth, helping participants uncover their authentic selves. Reflecting on his experiences, he shares: “The arts, particularly theatre, require vulnerability and openness, helping individuals discover who they are and who they want to become.” Thank you, Charlie, for being a dedicated and inspiring RTA Teaching Artist! ??

We’re excited to share that DOC NYC is hosting the premiere of Conbody vs Everybody, a powerful new limited series by acclaimed director Debra Granik! Follow the journey of Coss Marte, a charismatic, formerly incarcerated individual determined to rebuild his life against the dynamic backdrop of NYC’s Lower East Side. Catch the first-ever public screening of episodes 1 & 2, followed by a Q&A with Granik, Marte, and the talented crew. Don’t miss this inspiring story of resilience, community, and the raw energy of NYC. The first showing is sold out! Get your tickets to the second screening on Thu, 11/21 here: https://lnkd.in/ebJ_e9SJ

Ossining and Peekskill students recently explored justice reform through the lens of the powerful SING SING movie, highlighting the life-changing impact of RTA. Clarence Maclin, co-star of the film and RTA alum, attended the event to share his experiences and speak on the transformative power of the arts in prison. Check out the full story here to learn more about how prison arts programs are changing lives: https://lnkd.in/edF-qBec

Mark your calendar for November 18th as our friends at the Jacob Burns Film Center present "The Sing Sing Chronicles" — a powerful, four-episode series that tells the story of a journalist, Dan Slepian, and a man convicted of murder, Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, who begin as strangers but become like brothers. Their unlikely connection, forged in the cell blocks of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, ignites a search for justice in four unrelated homicide cases. Produced through years of dedicated investigative journalism, this series unveils inspiring journeys of redemption that will captivate and uplift audiences. A Q&A with Journalist and Executive Producer Dan Slepian, Director Dawn Porter, and participants Jon-Adrian Velazquez and David Lemus will follow the screening. Don’t miss this experience! Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gY9bwefj

Today, we’re thrilled to highlight Musicambia ??, an organization using music as a powerful tool for change within the prison system. Through programs at facilities like Sing Sing, Bedford Hills, and others nationwide, Musicambia’s teaching artists help incarcerated individuals build essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. With instruction in instruments, composition, and ensemble performance, participants find freedom in self-expression and community through music. We’re proud to stand alongside partners like Musicambia, dedicated to transforming lives through creativity and collaboration ????.

"At Peace " is a beautiful group poem written by our participants at Wallkill Correctional Facility. The verse captures what peace means to each of them: moments of connection, solitude, and self-reflection. "I am at peace when I remember the good I have done I am at peace when I hear your loving voice And when I talk to my family. I am at peace when I am alone And when I read my book And when I am writing poetry. I am at peace when I am around positive people who want me to be successful And I am surrounded by positive energy I am at peace when I feel safe and secure in myself And when I am calm and reflect on my actions before I act. I am at peace when I talk to you in my dreams or memories Or when I am with my daughter and wife Or when I'm playing video games with my friends. Or when I'm alone—or with my daughter. I am at peace when I'm alone I am at peace when I am at the church—my church I am at peace when it's the end of the day and I am ready for bed to sleep. I am at peace when I awake to a new day. Peace." May these words remind us to find peace within ourselves and inspire us to support those on their journeys toward peace and healing.

We’re pleased to announce that Sing Sing Prison Museum is hosting an inspiring event on Thursday, November 14th, at Ossining Public Library! Join our friends Dan Slepian and Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez as they discuss their powerful new book, "The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice". ?? Date & Time: November 14th, 6:30pm - 9:00pm ?? Location: Budarz Theater, Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave, Ossining, NY ??? Tickets: $50 (includes dessert and supports the museum) Enjoy an insightful discussion, a Q&A, a dessert reception, and book signing! Recommended for ages 12+. ?? Click here for tickets and details: https://ow.ly/o2ba50U5xuv Don’t miss this powerful evening exploring justice and accountability!