JUSTICE ARTS INITIATIVE

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art works with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office to provide residencies at Detention Center Central and Juvenile Detention Center North. Working with youth and adult residents, artists and Bechtler staff conduct week-long residencies throughout the year. Each residency explores current Bechtler exhibitions through discussion and observation while making connections to broader areas of life and experience. Participants develop skills related to social-emotional learning, stress reduction, and create positive links within the community, helping to build social capital. Programming is trauma-informed, all facilitators show compassion and care while connecting with and empowering participants. Artworks created as part of this program are often donated to the museum and displayed on the Bechtler website or in the museum lobby. The Bechtler has adapted programming during COVID19 using a hybrid model of in-person and virtual delivery of programming. Participants are given free passes to visit the museum upon release and encouraged to share these passes with family members. Programming for the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year will explore Bechtler exhibitions including Isaac Julien: Lina Bo Bardi – A Marvellous Entanglement, where participants will view the film installation and work to create a performance piece that includes Afro-Brazilian movement, spoken word, and percussion. Participants will also view the exhibition Annemarie Schwarzenbach: Departure without Destination followed by creative programming with local photographers and artists.