Performing Statistics is a cultural organizing project that uses art to model, imagine, and advocate for a world without youth. As a group of artists, advocates, and organizers, they connect young people impacted by the juvenile justice system with the community and systems leaders through the arts.
When thinking of solutions to incarceration, art might not be sought out; the justice system is a regular sector where the arts validity is minimized. However, for Sid and countless incarcerated youth, the program is a way out. Primarily, Sid was solely invested to get out but later realized that the program empowered him to embrace himself, that he was enough. Performing Statistics uses art to break down barriers in an effort to achieve understanding because many keep these feelings bottle in for all their lives.
But the ease of helping can be limited when trust has been compromised. The difference with Performing Statistics is the established relationships where agency was cultivated in the youth. Instead of forcing collaboration, they allowed individuals to form authentic relationships with their peers and adult allies. To support authenticity, Performing Statistics even provides monetary compensation for young people’s time to counterbalance the need for additional employment.
Sid wonders why these same elements cannot be implemented in schools. Unfortunately, schools are major culprits, also termed The School to Prison Pipeline.
Creative Generation had the extreme opportunity to be invited to engage with Sid’s, a unique individual who experienced incarceration firsthand. His perspective not only imparted wisdom but reminded our team of the hardships our youth face. Our society still views certain people as problematic, however, individuals like Sid continually face the obstacles working to make a difference. He is thankful art empowered him, and so are we.