Our Mission
Justice Arts Coalition is a platform for people with lived experience of imprisonment. By amplifying their artistic expression and through JAC’s coalition building, we challenge mass incarceration and reimagine a more just future.
what we do
Resource Library
We provide a national resource directory and library online for artists, advocates, and organizations that work at the intersection of art and justice.
Art Portfolios
We work to publish and maintain hundreds of artists' portfolios online filled with their best work.
Artwork Archive
All JAC artists have the option of sending their work to us in order to store and digitize it joining the large collection.
Freedom Showcases
We host events to provide feedback on the work we receive. These interactive sessions invite participants to engage directly with the artwork created by artists. More than exhibitions, these gatherings create dynamic spaces for honest exchange, collaborative critique, and meaningful connections.
Art as Advocacy
We advocate for policy reforms mandating creative programs in prisons and champion the return of incarcerated artists to come home.
Exhibitions + Features
We work with artists to showcase their talent to the world. We’re currently deepening our impact by following the lead of artists and exploring cohort and residence-style programming initiatives. Stay tuned.
Meet the board
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Treasurer
Kimberly Nelson is a Spiritual Life Coach and Facilitator who has spent her career in service to her community. Her passion is people and she is committed to exemplifying love by facilitating learning, change, growth, and evolution. She strives to honor the humanity of those impacted by the carceral system, which drives her work with JAC and like organizations.
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Executive Committee Liaison
Susan is a poet, writer, and advocate who brings extensive experience in nonprofit board service, event planning, and community outreach. Her personal experience with incarceration has shaped her commitment to social justice, equity, and accessibility. Susan’s vision aligns closely with JAC's mission, and she looks forward to contributing her skills and passion to the organization’s growth.
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Board President
Reverend Isaac I. Scott is a multidisciplinary visual artist, researcher, and community advocate rooted in Harlem, New York. Ordained at the 204th Session of the New York Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, Isaac is an itinerant deacon at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and Director of the church’s community outreach ministry, Another Choice Youth and Family Outreach Inc. Through this work, he leads initiatives focused on youth and family engagement, food insecurity, restorative justice, public safety, and community wellness through strategic arts engagement and grassroots collaboration. Isaac is a husband and father of seven in a blended family. Alongside his wife, Haydee Lee Scott, he continues to support children, young people and families through workshops, mentorship, faith based engagement, and community rooted initiatives that center healing, purpose, wellness, and intergenerational & cross cultural connection.
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Vice President
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Brett is a talented artist who has recently returned home from a federal facility in Ft. Worth, Texas. His deep love for art fuels his passion for supporting system-impacted artists, having discovered art as a coping mechanism early in his incarceration. Brett has been instrumental in providing empowerment and opportunity for incarcerated artists through his dedication and vision for the organization.
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Secretary
Casper is the Director of A.B.O. Comix, a collective focused on supporting queer and trans incarcerated artists. With his unique style and deep commitment to documenting the stories of marginalized communities, Casper brings his creative leadership and advocacy skills to JAC. He has a passion for bringing visibility to justice-involved artists and amplifying their voices through artistic expression.