Empowerment Avenue Artist Commissions

Empowerment Avenue(EA) pioneers opportunities for artists currently incarcerated to design and create art for all facets of the art industry—we advocate for inclusivity and market rate fees. Our commission work emphasizes community-building underscoring our commitment to involving individuals inside prisons in the creative process. By empowering them to contribute their unique perspectives, we challenge societal barriers and amplify the value of their artistic contributions.

EA serves as the intermediary. We connect with artists who align with project needs, support the production process, and facilitate payment to the artists. Join us in fostering collaboration and solidarity, strengthening the impact of your campaigns while promoting a more inclusive society.

Contact us at empowermentavenueartists@gmail.com to collaborate.

End Involuntary Servitude Digital Media Campaign projection by Elizabeth Lozano, Downtown Sacramento

Return to Sender: Prison as Censorship, 2023

PEN America and Mariame Kaba commissioned Empowerment Artists in two ways as part of the exhibition, Return to Sender: Prison as Censorship, curated by Mariame Kaba, at EFA Project Space in 2023.

PEN America asked seven EA artists to create portraits of a censored incarcerated writer. The portraits were included in a display about each writer. A few of the portraits were delivered to the prison mail room but never arrived. Instead, the artist’s statement and bio were displayed.

Mariame Kaba commissioned Corey Devon Arthur to create several paintings, one of which was used as the poster and promotional image for the exhibition.

The following EA artists created artwork:

Elizabeth Lozano Jeffrey Isom Jose Díaz Lamavis Comundoiwilla Mark Cádiz aka Rev. Seishin Mark Stanley-Bey Sarah Montoya

EA Role

Served as direct contact to artists for censored writer portrait component, working in collaboration with PEN America.
Coordinated all artwork, payment info, artist statement, bios and exhibition text for censored writer portrait component, working in collaboration with PEN America.

Urban Arts Festival, 2023 & 2024

Empowerment Avenue(EA) in partnership with California Lawyers of the Arts asked artists currently incarcerated nationwide to create artwork specifically tied to their experiences, and those around them, with Involuntary Servitude.

The project’s goal was to expose the legacy of slavery and the ongoing slave tactics by prison institutions on Black & Brown communities in three California neighborhoods — Bayview, Antioch, and East Palo Alto. The events sparked conversations and action by increasing awareness and voter participation to end involuntary servitude—ACA8/PROP 6 on the November 2024 ballot.

The following EA artists created artwork, for an installation titled Work Assignments: Forced Prison Labor in the Land of the Free:

Alvin Smith Chantell-Jeannette Black Christopher “Khalifah” Christensen Corey Devon Arthur Elizabeth Lozano Jeffrey Isom Mark Cádiz aka Rev. Seishin Orlando Smith aka O.Smith

EA Role

Directed the creative vision of the art installation, ensuring that the artwork was aligned with the theme of ending involuntary servitude.
Offered comprehensive logistical support for artists inside prisons, including: assistance with mailing, coordination, and discussion of themes in preparation for art submissions.
Served as the intermediary for processing all payments to incarceraed EA artists.
Designed and installed the art installation.
Engaged with the community and provided information about each artist during the event.

End Involuntary Servitude Digital Media Campaign, 2023 & 2024

In collaboration with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC), All of Us or None, and Tré Borden /Co, the Empowerment Avenue(EA) team created transformative digital billboards aimed at addressing the issue of involuntary servitude and prison slavery in the California prison system.

The project’s goal was to amplify the voices and experiences of those impacted by these injustices through compelling digital materials.EA artists were asked to create images reflecting their perspectives and experiences with this issue. LSPC selected quotes from individuals incarcerated in prisons throughout California.

EA Assistant Director De’jon Joy, integrated the artwork and quotes, designing 4 digital billboards. The final billboards were projected onto the California State Capitol building in Sacramento as part of LSPC's digital media campaign building awareness for ACA8/Prop 6, February 12th - November 3rd 2024 .

The following EA artists created artwork for the billboards:

Elizabeth Lozano Jeffrey Isom Orlando Smith aka O.Smith

EA Role

Engaged both incarcerated individuals and community members to create impactful content for the billboard designs.
Facilitated the collaborative process between LSPC and inside artists through three phases of design, from sketches to completion of final design.
Designed 4 digital billboards, incorporating EA artists artwork, quotes from inside and LSPC branding to format requested by client.
Served as the intermediary for processing all payments to incarceraed EA artists.
Worked closely with the communications team from LSPC and All of Us or None to integrate artwork and narratives into broader advocacy campaigns.