The Returning Artists Guild Receives 501(c)(3) Status

The Returning Artists Guild has been granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS, making it an official non-profit, an important milestone for the peer-led organization supporting currently and formerly incarcerated creatives.

The designation strengthens the RAG’s ability to sustain and expand the work its community has been building for years: creating opportunities for artists to develop their creative practices, earn income from their work, build relationships, access resources, and participate in exhibitions, retreats, public programs, and other forms of creative and professional development.

“After years of hard work, community care, and holding fast to our vision through every challenge, we’ve finally reached this moment,” said Kamisha Thomas, co-founder of the Returning Artists Guild. “This status allows us to deepen our impact—creating more income-generating opportunities, expanding skill-building programs, and strengthening the support our members rely on.”

The RAG is a peer-led, abolitionist creative community rooted in art, collective care, and cultural change. Its work centers the leadership and lived experience of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated creatives while building the relationships, resources, and opportunities people need to thrive.

Receiving nonprofit status creates new opportunities for institutional funding and tax-deductible charitable support while giving the RAG stronger infrastructure for long-term growth.

Support the Returning Artists Guild and help invest in a free future for everyone.