About

Why this project?

This project was put together by volunteers from Black & Pink chapters in Boston, Chicago, and Providence. From our work with Black & Pink, we know that mail can be a lifeline for people who are currently incarcerated. Our loved ones in prison are often isolated and cut off from their communities, families, and friends. Sending mail to a loved one in prison is a critical communication tool and we want cards that hold the right message.

Why Cards?

Mail can reduce harm and violence. As Black & Pink says, “Mail Call often happens in public spaces in the prison. When someone hears their name called by a prison guard during mail call it is a reminder that people on the outside care about that person. It is also message to the guards and other prisoners that this person has support and is not forgotten. This can be a vital harm reduction strategy for people who are locked up, especially queer and transgender folks.”

As free-world allies corresponding with folks in prison, we have had trouble finding appropriate greeting cards to our loved ones and friends that reflect our values and say what we want to say. We wanted to create messages and images that are honest about the weight of incarceration, our deep care for each other, and our collective fight to end incarceration.

The Process

The art for this project was gathered from artists that are currently incarcerated as well as free world artists. Eight of our ten artists are currently behind bars. All artists have been paid a stipend for their contributions thanks to all those who donated to our IndieGoGo!

We currently have all the cards linked on this site for download at home. We ask that if you use this artwork that you donate $3-7 per card to the Black & Pink National organization. 

Wayland “x Coleman

 

Supporting Incarcerated Artists

We believe that art is a critical tool for resistance. Art can help us to emotionally connect to each others’ humanity, better understand alternate experiences, and to help tell personal narratives. Art is a small way that those of us who are privileged enough to not know what it’s like to be locked up can begin to connect, to feel, and to imagine a better and different future. Art helps us to understand what is and what is possible.

We value incarcerated artists’ intellectual and emotional labor. We want this project to support their continued creativity and voice. We also believe in financially supporting our loved ones on the inside so that they are able to pay for the things they need to survive. We know this project can’t fix systems of incarceration, but we hope it can make a small difference to the artists we support as well as our loved ones who will receive these cards in the future.

All chosen artists are credited on the cards and retain the rights to their work.

If you have any questions about this project please contact either/ both Molly Costello (mollyccostello@gmail.com) and Megan Smith (mjsmith211@gmail.com).