After more than two decades of fostering creativity, connection and opportunity for artists who are formerly incarcerated, the Linkage Community will officially transition into an independent initiative Aug. 1.
Founded in the early 2000s as a mentorship program within the University of Michigan's Prison Creative Arts Project, Linkage is now evolving into a statewide, member-driven network that will continue to support artists who have experienced incarceration.
With active members spanning Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Flint and other Michigan communities, Linkage has established itself as the state's foremost peer-based creative reentry network.
"Linkage provides me with a platform to give a voice to those who are unable to speak because of incarceration," said Johnny Van Patten, a Lansing-based visual artist and founding Linkage member.
Linkage will begin operating independently under a fiscal sponsor, marking its official departure from U-M's Prison Creative Arts Project. The move provides autonomy to shape programming and set strategic direction, all while maintaining a collaborative relationship with PCAP.
"This transition is a testament to the creativity, vision and leadership of Linkage members themselves," said Nora Kritinsky, director of the Prison Creative Arts Project. "We're honored to have supported their growth and excited to continue working together in new ways."
While the original Linkage Project began as a mentorship pilot about 20 years ago, the rebranding into the Linkage Community in 2022 marked a new era, shifting to a co-led, statewide network with deeper infrastructure, wider enrollment and stronger visibility for artists with lived experience of incarceration.
"In 2021, we had just 22 members enrolled," said Sarah Unrath, Linkage executive director. "Today, more than 125 artists are part of our community-and that number grows every week. Over 1,800 incarcerated individuals stay updated through PCAP's newsletter, and we've recently expanded to include prerelease enrollment at Michigan Works' Reentry United conferences inside prisons."
Linkage artists work across more than 22 creative disciplines-muralism, photography, poetry, tattooing, podcasting, music, fashion and more-and have shared their work in a wide range of venues across the state.
Members cocreate programming focused on emotional wellness, artistic growth, peer navigation and economic mobility. The network also offers holistic support and shares resources to help individuals build fulfilling lives after incarceration. Its programming is built around three core pillars, each designed to foster comprehensive support for its members:
- Belonging: Fostering a strong sense of community through "Welcome to Linkage" meals, personalized one-on-one check-ins, regular in-person and virtual gatherings, and a weekly newsletter to keep everyone connected.
- Bridging Gaps: Providing essential support to help members navigate various challenges. This includes personalized referrals to social services, travel assistance for in-person events, crucial preentry parole board support, technology coaching and free digitization of artwork.
- Development: Championing artistic and personal growth by offering opportunities like exhibitions and performances, immersive in-person intensives and trainings, personalized project consultations, free art supplies and valuable professional introductions.
"At its core, it's a network of people with lived experience of incarceration who believe in dignity, in each other, and in the power of creativity," said Casey Ward, a creative writer, entrepreneur and Linkage member. "We've made something rare: a circle where people are truly seen. Not for what they've been through, but for what they bring-their art, their insight, their care.
