Supporting Creative Practice
The Returning Artists Guild works with people currently or formerly incarcerated to remove barriers to exploring creativity, developing their practice, and sharing their work at no cost.
Material & Supply Support
Removing barriers to making the work
- We collect and distribute materials, tools, and resources across a range of creative practices
- We provide an annual Artist Supply Fund—up to $800 per year—so participants can purchase what they need for their work
- We coordinate orders from approved vendors to ensure people inside can access the materials they need for their creative work
- We use a simple application and reimbursement process to build familiarity with grantmaking and professional practices
Professional Development Support
Supporting growth over time
- We support participation in workshops, classes, residencies, conferences, and other opportunities that help artists deepen their practice and expand their skills.
- We provide flexible, case-by-case funding based on each request and available resources.
- We help artists navigate continuing education, grantmaking, and professional opportunities through a simple and accessible application process.
Artwork Logistics & Care
Ensuring work can move and be preserved
- We coordinate shipping and transportation of artwork to exhibitions, ensuring work can move from studio to public presentation—inside and beyond
- We maintain secure, climate-controlled storage and professional handling of artwork—including transport using protective materials—across archives, a permanent collection, and works in rotation for exhibitions
Exhibition & Placement Support
Connecting work to audiences
- We place work in exhibitions with established galleries, respected partners, and community spaces
- We coordinate directly with professional partners and venues to ensure thoughtful presentation and meaningful public engagement around the exhibitions and performances
- We coordinate sales with partners so artists receive 100% of the value they set for their work
Documentation & Presentation
Preparing the work to be shared
- We document artworks, events, and exhibitions through photography and archiving, engaging and compensating RAG artists in the process
- We prepare work for exhibition, including custom framing, stretching, and finishing, working with professional framers when needed
Access to Creative Opportunity
Expanding what’s possible
- We create and share calls for art, grants, residencies, workshops, performances, speaking engagements, and other opportunities aligned with each artist's interests and goals
- We connect participants to opportunities across our network and beyond, helping artists expand their practice, develop professionally, and build sustainable creative careers
- We open pathways for work to be seen, experienced, supported, and compensated