We’ve always believed that exhibitions create a truly rare container for conversation, a stage for bringing people together for the kind of deep and energizing workshops, events, and talks needed to build a movement to end youth incarceration. NKIP in Philly was no different, the exhibit featured a robust set of programs led by local youth leaders, seasoned abolitionist advocates and artists, all free and open to the public. Attendees created abolitionist swag using vinyl designs and custom patches and a different silkscreen artist each week collaborated with us to make sure everyone went home with a gorgeous freshly printed shirts, bags, and posters. The space was also an opportunity for organizers who have been fighting for youth freedom for decades to sit down with young people and talk through solidarity, wins, organizing heartbreak and the best strategies to keep fighting for liberation together.

Youth Convening

Beyond engaging local audiences, we wanted the exhibition to create a space where local/regional youth leaders could connect with and help inspire young folks in other states. Performing Statistics partnered with Youth First State Collaborative to host a youth convening where organizers from Minnesota and Illinois came to Philly to experience the exhibition, see public art across the city, and learn from Pennsylvania and New Jersey youth organizers about all the magic they helped create. The time together helped build relationships between campaigns and provided a rare opportunity to begin planning for the exhibition to travel to Chicago and Minneapolis later that same year.

Exhibition Data

Thousands of viewers came through the NKIP exhibition and data from their surveys show what we have always believed….that youth driven storytelling, that incorporates a multitude of art forms and media, impacts people in deep and energizing ways.

Credits

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