Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Guild, membership, programs, exhibitions, and opportunities.
For Artists
I'm not a visual artist. Can I still be considered a RAG artist?
Probably, yes. We define artists by practice, not by genre. If you are making something, you may be an artist to us. Our members work in painting, textiles, film, photography, poetry, music, performance, and comedy—and also in native plants, hair design, and community organizing. If you have a creative practice, apply.
Who can join?
Membership is for people with a history of confinement. That includes prison, jail, juvenile detention, and institutionalization. We prioritize currently and formerly incarcerated applicants, and people who have been otherwise confined and directly impacted are welcome to apply.
What does membership cost?
Nothing. Membership is free.
You're based in Columbus. Do I have to be in Columbus, or in Ohio?
No. The RAG operates out of Ohio and most of our members are here, but we have members outside the state as well. Anyone may apply.
Who reviews my application, and how long does it take?
A committee of Guild Members (artists, not staff) reviews new applications each month. Membership applications are currently waitlisted, and the waitlist will open in spring. Approved applicants will meet with RAG leadership before membership is finalized.
What makes a strong application?
A clear description of your creative practice and strong work samples. A gentle reminder: you don't have to over-explain your experience of incarceration to The RAG. You don't owe that explanation to anyone. We want to know what you make and how you see yourself contributing to the community.
What do members receive?
- Artist Supply Fund: up to $800 a year for creative supplies and personal use
- Artist Professional Development Fund: request-based support for workshops, classes, residencies, and conferences
- Artist Reentry Support Fund: flexible request-based funding for urgent and essential needs
- Exhibition and performance opportunities, plus shipping, storage, framing, and documentation of your work
- Retreats, monthly meetings, and a peer network
- Promotion of your work and connections to paid opportunities
What do members contribute?
Show up and stay engaged. Members are strongly encouraged to attend monthly meetings, bring your creativity to the conversation, and share your gifts with the community.
If my work sells, who gets the money?
You do. We coordinate sales with our partners so artists receive 100 percent of the price they set for their work.
Can I apply while I'm still incarcerated?
Inside artists may apply through a series of GTL communications. The same monthly review and current waitlist timing apply to inside applicants.
For Partners
Do you work with the prison system? Do you go inside?
RAG serves incarcerated artists, some RAG artists enter facilities to provide programming, and RAG collaborates with universities/outside organizations working inside. RAG does not contract with ODRC and does not accept corrections funding.
That independence is the point. It keeps us accountable to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated creatives first, and it lets us pay artists fairly and respond directly to what our members need. Read more here.
Can I hire or commission an artist?
Yes. Guild Members take on commissions, creative projects, teaching, speaking engagements, and consulting grounded in lived experience. Artists are paid for their work. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll make the connection.
Can you speak at our event? Can you support our event?
Often, yes. Guild Members and leadership give artist talks, join panels, lead workshops, and speak at schools, conferences, and community events. Send us the date, the audience, and what you're hoping for, and we'll tell you what's possible. We ask that artists be compensated for their time and expertise. We do not currently have a standard public rate. Compensation is determined based on the artist, scope, preparation, travel, duration, and project budget
We'd like to partner. How does that work?
We collaborate with galleries, arts organizations, curators, colleges, community groups, and movement partners on exhibitions, performances, public programs, and cultural projects. The partnerships that work best are the ones where artists are treated as collaborators and paid fairly. Reach out and let's talk.
Can our organization contribute materials, space, or services?
Yes. In-kind support—supplies, tools, storage, framing, transportation, professional services—goes directly to resourcing artists. Connect with us here.
For Supporters
I've never been incarcerated. Can I join?
No. Membership is only for people with a history of incarceration or confinement. But there's real work to do alongside us: give, hire an artist, come to an exhibition, partner with us, and talk about this work with people who haven't heard of it.
How can I help?
- Give online through our secure form. Your donation funds supplies, reentry support, exhibitions, and the coordination that holds it together.
- Hire or commission an artist. Paid work is support.
- Contribute in-kind. Materials, tools, space, or professional services.
- Partner with us. On exhibitions, programs, and public projects.
- Show up. Come to an exhibition, performance, or public program.
- Spread the word. Share artists' work and tell people what The RAG does.
Do you accept donations?
Yes. Friends of the RAG is the legal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does business publicly as Returning Artists Guild (RAG). Give online through our secure form.
Or mail a check payable to Friends of The RAG: P.O. Box 361362, Columbus, Ohio 43236.
Where does my donation go?
Directly into the work: art supplies, professional development, emergency reentry funds, artwork shipping and storage, exhibitions, retreats, and the staff coordination that makes all of it run. Support stays free to artists.
Still have a question?
Get in touch at contact@ragart.org or by calling (614) 356-7788. If you're an artist and something about the application is in your way, say so — we'll help.