Prisons of Creativity by Whitman, John R.;

Short description:

Emphasizing not just the internal, but the external value of creativity in prison, Prisons of Creativity widens and elevates the discourse concerning the institution of prison in society and its social goals.

Long description:

Sparking a discussion of the importance of creativity for the well-being of society, this book highlights and argues for the potential of those in prison to learn and exercise the skills of writing, visual arts, and music; to protect their intellectual property; and to distribute their works to the public, and the consequent benefits of their creative contribution to wider society.

Focused on the premise that a nation’s well-being and competitive advantage in innovation are advanced by promoting the creative efforts of all its citizens without exclusion, including those residing in prisons, this book uses the United States as a case study to illuminate the potential among any nation’s prison population to contribute to its store of creative works. Arguing that creativity should be encouraged for the benefit of all, it offers a framework for how incarcerated individuals globally could be permitted to engage in learning and undertaking skills in the expressive arts to produce works for public dissemination. Supporting this argument, it explores and analyses the Intellectual Property clause of the  Constitution of the United States.

Emphasizing not just the internal but also the external value of creativity in prison, Prisons of Creativity widens and elevates the discourse concerning the institution of prison in society and its social goals. It will be of great value to anyone with an interest in arts in corrections, including educators and practitioners, professionals and policy makers within the criminal justice system, and students and scholars of criminology, criminal justice, and related areas.

“As a lifelong corrections professional and advocate for incarcerated people, I wholeheartedly endorse this text for its insightful exploration of the historical and cultural shifts in prison practices and its compelling argument for harnessing the creative potential of incarcerated individuals to benefit society.”

—Carole Cafferty, Corrections Superintendent (retired)

“A unique addition to the current discourse towards an inclusive creative ecosystem and the national campaign to cultivate the many undeveloped tracts of American talent. Its thesis of personal redemption and individual dignity through artistic contribution will resonate with policy makers and social activists alike.”

—Lateef Mtima, Professor of Law, Howard University School of Law; Director, Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice

“A sweeping account of the wasted creative potential of incarcerated persons and the resulting loss of innovation and economic benefits to society. Whitman argues for a national creative carceral policy grounded on the Constitution, which secures intellectual property rights for creators regardless of class or status. A trove of arts-in-corrections programs provides a framework to promote creativity and rehabilitation for the entire prison population, numbering more people than many nations.”

—Alma Robinson, Executive Director, California Lawyers for the Arts

Table of Contents:

Introduction: The Prospect of Creativity Behind Bars 1. The Creative Impulse at Lincoln’s Cottage 2. The Gift of IP Protection 3. How Prison Unintentionally Stokes Creativity 4. Creators in Print 5. Creators at Work 6. Leading Facilitators 7. A Nationwide Carceral Creativity Framework 8. Superintendents of Creativity