Rehabilitation through the arts founder. Join our movement to break the cycle of incarceration.
- Rehabilitation through the arts founder Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization founded by Katherine Vockins in 1996 in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. 18, he will become the second Executive Director in RTA’s 29-year history. 2,917 likes · 7 talking about this. Contributions; Talk; Contents move to sidebar hide Jan 23, 2025 · SING SING continues to collect acclaim for its beautiful and authentic portrayal of the power of arts in prison programs to transform lives. That year, they wrote and staged their first play. 5 million Arts-in-Corrections pilot program in California state prisons. Your support Celebrating Katherine Vockins, Founder of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Y. Feb 6, 2025 · The performance was part of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a prison-arts program. The segment dives into the transformative power of the arts in breaking the cycle of incarceration, with a spotlight on SING SING, the critically acclaimed A24 film inspired by RTA’s work. Join us in making a difference. With her extensive experience as a transformational interim executive, Lichter will play a crucial role in leading RTA through this transition period after the retirement of the organization’s founder, Katherine Vockins. It was started in 1996 after a small group of men in prison expressed an interest in putting on a play at the prison. RTA began at Sing Sing when Katherine Vockins, RTA's founder, met with a group of men who wanted help writing and presenting a play. The film follows the inspiring story of RTA alum John “Divine G” Whitfield (played by Colman Domingo), as he finds purpose by acting in RTA’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility theater group alongside RTA alum Clarence Maclin, who plays himself. Administered by the California Arts Council in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California's Arts in Corrections program is internationally recognized for its high-impact, innovative approach to addressing the state's critical public safety needs and rehabilitative priorities through the arts. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, RTA works with professional teaching artists to lead year-round workshops in theater, dance, music, creative writing, and visual arts. While the national recidivism rate is nearly 60 percent, less than 7 percent of RTA members return to prison. org : Phone Number (914) 251-7540: Rehabilitation Throu industries Voluntary Sector Transform Lives Through the Power of the Arts. Dec 1, 2023 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts helps prisoners develop critical life skills through a comprehensive arts program, educating and rehabilitating about 200 participants annually inside correctional facilities. Apr 3, 2024 · Today, RTA has impacted the lives of hundreds of incarcerated men and women and become a leader in the field of arts in prison programming. The RTA community is indebted to the extraordinary legacy of its Founder Katherine Vockins for her leadership and vision in changing lives behind prison walls—and beyond—for over twenty-five years. RTA teaches communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and other critical life skills through a unique mix of art forms. The film offers a different model for criminal justice, emphasizing life skills that lead to success after prison. Explore our programs and see their real-world impact on participants through their own stories. Take a look at these amazing photos from the event and be Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) RTA uses the transformative power of the arts to help people in prison develop skills to unlock their potential and succeed in the larger community. August 8, 2023. Organization Website: rta-arts. A24’s hit film Sing Sing is a testament to the life-changing impact of RTA’s programs. Feb 6, 2025 · PURCHASE ‒ These are heady times for the Westchester-based prison-arts program Rehabilitation Through the Arts, founded 29 years ago to help incarcerated men at Sing Sing learn to deal with Joe Berlinger: Academy Award-nominated Emmy-winning Filmmaker and Producer: Jabbar Collins: Commissioner, NYC Commission to Combat Police Corruption; President, Horizon Research Services Aug 8, 2023 · The film Sing Sing, starring Emmy Award winner, Colman Domingo (portraying RTA alumnus John “Divine G” Whitfield); RTA alumnus, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin; and Academy Award nominee, Paul Raci, is based on Rehabilitation Through the Arts’ theater program, a core component of RTA’s comprehensive arts-in-correction programming. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped keep RTA’s mission strong by lending your time, generosity and encouragement—and I can’t wait to see you in person soon! With gratitude, Katherine Vockins Founder & Executive Director Rehabilitation Through the Arts 3 Dear Friends, RTA Annual Report 2021 Oct 27, 2020 · Join Rehabilitation Through the Arts alumnnus Kenyatta Emmanuel, RTA Director of Operations, Charles Moore and Gigi Blanchard, founder of The Kite on October 29 at 1 pm for a virtual panel about Jan 16, 2025 · "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. Driven by a deep belief in the rehabilitative power of the arts, she started a small theater workshop at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Katherine Vockins, Founder & Executive Director of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, will be stepping down as ED at the end of the year. #a24 #singsing #rta # Mar 6, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) was honored to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning with legendary journalist Ted Koppel. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Prison Communities International Inc) – Wilhelm Family Foundation Jan 24, 2025 · About RTA: Rehabilitation Through the Arts real-life nonprofit organization on which the SING SING is based. In 1996, RTA Founder Katherine Vockins embarked on a journey that would change countless lives, and her own. #Repost: Discover the transformative power of art with Sing Sing at Digital Gym Cinema opening tonight! It highlights the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing. Katherine’s journey to founding RTA is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and action. From theater to visual arts, music, dance, and writing, RTA’s arts programs build critical skills that positively impact individuals’ ability to secure employment, strengthen family ties, and contribute meaningfully to their communities after release. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, RTA operates a wide-ranging arts program in New York State prisons in the Hudson Valley, serving over 200 incarcerated men & women. Dec 14, 2022 · The Wednesday Read: "When Ms. Apr 18, 2024 · Pages for logged out editors learn more. Feb 6, 2025 · On Feb. Discover the transformative power of art in prison. It’s a tender portrait of the creative capabilities and emotional lives of a Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) Non-profit Organizations PURCHASE, NY 782 followers RTA helps people in prison develop life skills, modeling an approach based on dignity over punishment. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) Non-profit Organizations PURCHASE, NY 679 followers RTA helps people in prison develop life skills, modeling an approach based on dignity over punishment. For almost 200 years, a grim monument to the theory that Aug 13, 2014 · The California Arts Council received quite the Valentine's Day surprise from one of its fellow state agencies last February. Along with Katherine Vockins, the founder of RTA, the program was formed. BREAKING THE CYCLE OF INCARCERATION There are 1. . Cast Actors are part of the RTA initiative. Vockins founded RTA, she said, “few people were going into maximum security prisons, never mind starting an arts program that treated incarcerated people with humanity Oct 17, 2024 · At Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), we do more than inspire creativity—we lay the foundation for success beyond prison walls. An artist, mother, and activist, Sammie is the Co-Founder of Mothers on the Inside which helps and empowers incarcerated women in New York State. Jun 4, 2024 · The Origin Story of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Dec 15, 2024 · How theater can break the cycle of incarceration 10:24. Archer, who was released from Sing Sing in 2020, has been named executive director of RTA. PRISON ART PROGRAMS. We're looking back on a few highlights of her incredible legacy. As co-founder of RTA, a transformative program now celebrated in the film "Sing Sing," I present this article on the vital role of theatre programs in prisons… May 26, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts alumnus and Director of Programs and Operations Charles Moore joined us to give a brief intro of himself and RTA, and present a short film called, “The Soul of RTA” which showcased the RTA’s arts-in-prison program. Join our movement to break the cycle of incarceration. One year later, the theatre group performed an original piece for the prison population. RTA helps people in prison develop life skills, modeling an approach based on dignity over punishment. The head of rehabilitation programs for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation called with a proposal: help coordinate an 18-month, $2. ” David Giraudy | Supporting Cast. Jan 15, 2025 · The critically acclaimed film SING SING returns to theaters nationwide on January 17th — find a screening near you. , and now operates in five men’s and women’s prisons. The Long Island Hate and Bias Prevention Regional Council invites you to attend ERASE Racism's free two-part interactive, anti-racist training for educators, parents, and community members. Rehabilitation Through the Arts · July 17, 2020 · July 17, 2020 · We seek teaching artists with advanced arts training and experience as educators, especially in underserved communities. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) started at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996 as a theater group to help incarcerated men write and perform a play about their lives. The RTA model provides an intensive, comprehensive arts program in prison that builds critical life skills so that people can meet the challenges of connecting with family and Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization [1] founded by Katherine Vockins in 1996 in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. Feb 26, 2010 · Katherine Vockins, Founder & Executive Director of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, will be stepping down as ED at the end of the year. RTA members took center stage at Woodbourne Correctional Facility with a production of the play "On The Waterfront. In 2001, those men became the founding members of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Katherine Vockins, RTA’s Founder, has officially retired but her extraordinary leadership and vision will continue to make an indelible mark on countless individuals and communities. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps incarcerated people develop life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity, rather than punishment. Apr 16, 2021 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) and A24 partnered with the New York State Legislature to host a special screening of the critically acclaimed SING SING on Monday, Jan. Rehabilitation Through the Arts · n s r S o o p d t e S 9 4 p 3 m e 2 5 7 2 t 9 g e 4 3 u 5 0 2 5 i c 9 2 0 b m 8 i m t 0 e t 0 m 2 i 8 , r l 2 3 1 3 · Shared with Public Aug 8, 2024 · Filmmaker Greg Kwedar and formerly incarcerated actor Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin discuss their new film about the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program founded at Sing Sing prison. Sing Sing Correctional Facility is 40 miles and a world away from New York City. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) recently announced that Leslie Lichter has been appointed as its Interim Executive Director. RTA is a nonprofit organization that works in five New York state prisons, using the creative arts to positively effect a social and cognitive change within its participants. Launched at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a Jan 4, 2022 · Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA) uses the transformative power of the arts to help people in prison develop skills to unlock their potential & succeed in the larger community. Sing Sing (2023) is a film based on the arts rehabilitation program founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. On this same day, it will also be shown inside correctional facilities in 46 states, including New York, according to The Hollywood Reporter. We were thrilled to partner with Bedford Playhouse for their screening of Sing Sing on 9/26. Dec 17, 2024 · The foundation is based on a true story and the success of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, which was founded at Sing Sing in 1996. Her vision and leadership launched RTA at Sing Sing Correctional Facility 26 years ago when few civilians were venturing inside a maximum-security prison, never mind creating a theater program that recognized the humanity of incarcerated people. Jan 10, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) and A24 partnered with the New York State Legislature to host a special screening of the critically acclaimed SING SING on Monday, Jan. “By supporting RTA, you’re not only investing in their future but also in the future of your community. Its mission is to model an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996 Jan 16, 2025 · "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. Sep 19, 2024 · Through SING SING, both men hope to shift public perceptions about those who are incarcerated, demonstrating that personal growth and change are possible when individuals are treated with respect and given the tools to succeed. , the 501c3 non-profit organization under which RTA operates. Social and communication skills build through group work\r\n Cognitive skills develop through reading, analyzing, problem-solving, developing focus, increasing vocabulary, memorization and math concepts in music \r\n Tolerance, empathy and trust grow through self-expression, character development and mutual support \r\n Exposure to cultural differences generates respect and opens a wider world Jul 15, 2024 · “Sing Sing tells the story of a theater troupe inside the Ossining, New York, maximum-security prison of the same name: Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), a nonprofit that was founded in 1996 and has since expanded to seven more facilities across the state. Personal accounts by inmates and corrections staff, as well as statistical data about successful inmate rehabilitation through the arts demonstrate that programs fostering creativity are effective as both rehabilitation and therapy. Rehabilitation Through the Arts helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling Jan 15, 2025 · What if a single story could inspire hope, ignite creativity, and bring people closer—even across the barriers of incarceration? Thanks to A24, Sing Sing, a powerful film inspired by the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, is making history as the first-ever national film release for an incarcerated audience. Theater is central to RTA’s program. 13th. David “Dap” Giraudy joined RTA when he was just 22 years old. Jan 16, 2025 · "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. Prison arts programs play a special role in affirming inmates as humans capable of change and empathy. The event featured a discussion with RTA alums Clarence Maclin, Sean “Dino” Johnson, John ‘Divine G” Whitfield, Charles Moore and RTA friend Jon-Adrian “JJ Jan 29, 2018 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts was launched at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and continues to lead both RTA and Prison Communities International Inc. “And as they say, the rest is history. RTA helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. 17. RTA brings art workshops in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, writing and poetry behind the walls to over 230 incarcerated individuals and operates in ten maximum and medium security New York State prisons: Sing Transitioning to the 1970s, Whitfield, proficient in acting, singing, and acrobatic dance, enrolled in the High School for Performing Arts with aspirations of pursuing acting. " This timeless story of resilience and redemption came to life through the talent Jan 16, 2025 · "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) | 555 followers on LinkedIn. Jun 23, 2021 · Charles Moore is the Director of Operations at the New York-based Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). Oct 14, 2016 · With the help of organizations like Rehabilitation Through the Arts, or RTA, that number plummets to about five percent. A unique, comprehensive in-prison arts program which teaches critical life skills Launched at Sing Sing in 1996, RTA is a world leader in arts-in-prison programming, teaching communication, collaboration, problem-solving and other critical life skills through a unique mix of art fo Rehabilitation Through the Arts, Purchase, New York. #a24 #singsing #rta # Sing Sing Film: Based On The RTA Program Founded At Sing Sing Prison. But before that, he was a participant in the program. Founded at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, RTA has provided arts-based workshops to thousands of incarcerated men and women, transforming lives and breaking the cycle of incarceration with proven results: less than 3% of RTA members return to prison, compared to 60% nationally. April 3, 2024. . Becoming an RTA teaching artist is not a casual process. However, his aspirations were disrupted in 1988 when he was unjustly arrested for a homicide. Jun 14, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) was honored to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning with legendary journalist Ted Koppel. RTA Program Director Joe Giardina spoke with HMM's Correspondent Andrea Cunliffe about the transformative power of the arts using workshops in theatre, music, dance We appreciate your showcasing how the film beautifully captures the transformative power of art and the impact of RTA. Launched at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1996, RTA is a world leader in arts-in-prison programming. 8m people incarcerated in the US. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996 Jan 30, 2025 · RTA works with professional teaching artists in year-round workshops in theatre, dance, music, creative writing and visual arts. RTA is a creative arts program operating in multiple maximum and medium Oct 12, 2016 · We speak to founder and Executive Director, Katherine Vockins, from Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a program that helps prisoners through the arts. Lorraine Moller and she told me about a prison theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility (located in New York State) called Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Aug 4, 2021 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) was honored to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning with legendary journalist Ted Koppel. Aug 8, 2024 · Filmmaker Greg Kwedar and formerly incarcerated actor Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin discuss their new film, which centers on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program founded at Sing Jan 16, 2025 · "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. Rehabilitation Through The Arts was founded by Katherine Vockins in 1996 in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York and now operates in six men's and women's, maximum and medium security New York State prisons: Sing Sing, Bedford Hills, Woodbourne, Green Haven, Fishkill and Taconic. Jermaine brings his unique vision and personal experience to his new role at the helm of RTA. The event featured a discussion with RTA alums Clarence Maclin, Sean “Dino” Johnson, John ‘Divine G” Whitfield, Charles Moore and RTA friend Jon-Adrian “JJ Aug 4, 2024 · Colman Domingo's new movie 'Sing Sing' shines a spotlight on the real-life theater program Rehabilitation Through the Arts, which operates in maximum-security prisons in New York and models “an Jan 29, 2025 · This film is based on a prison theater program called Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). | Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. I met with the program director, Katherine Vockins, did my volunteer orientation, and the rest as they say is history. The event featured a discussion with RTA alums Clarence Maclin, Sean “Dino” Johnson, John ‘Divine G” Whitfield, Charles Moore and RTA friend Jon-Adrian “JJ Jun 2, 2021 · Unlocked captures the unsparingly honest stories of formerly incarcerated men and women who participated in RTA’s prison arts program. May 13, 2021 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is a member of the Initiative to Accelerate Charitable Giving and a New York-based nonprofit that helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. “I joined RTA in 2004,” said Charles Moore. Today, RTA professional teaching artists lead theater, dance, music, writing and visual arts workshops for more than 200 men and women at six maximum and medium security Oct 29, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) was honored to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning with legendary journalist Ted Koppel. Most recently, he was a Program Associate for the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies Criminal Justice Grantmaking team. Jun 5, 2017 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts, one of several arts-based programs that work with New York’s incarcerated population, was founded in 1996 by Katherine Vockins in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, N. _____ We invite you to support RTA and our mission to bring healing and transformation through the arts. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on January 23, 2025 that SING SING has been nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role — Colman Domingo We appreciate your showcasing how the film beautifully captures the transformative power of art and the impact of RTA. Our unique programs unlock creative potential, fostering personal growth and community building. Main page; Contents; Current events; Random article; About Wikipedia; Contact us; Help; Learn to edit; Community portal; Recent changes; Upload file the beautiful art they continued to create. A conversation with founder and Executive Director Katherine Vockins and others from Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). Sep 19, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts dates back to the mid-’90s and was initially known as The Theater Workshop, recall Johnson and Whitfield, two of the founding members. Nov 20, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) and A24 partnered with the New York State Legislature to host a special screening of the critically acclaimed SING SING on Monday, Jan. Sammie received artist grants from Creatives Rebuild New York and New York Foundation of the Arts. Aug 22, 2024 · Almost three decades since it was founded, RTA is now gaining mainstream attention thanks to Sing Sing, Greg Kwedar’s new A24 film starring Oscar nominees Colman Domingo and Paul Raci, who act Nov 1, 2010 · Today's featured person is Katherine Vockins, Founder and Director of Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Jan 9, 2023 · On Sunday, December 11, 2022, the RTA community celebrated Katherine Vockins, RTA’s Founder & Executive Director. GET INVOLVED. Dec 16, 2024 · Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) was honored to be featured on CBS Sunday Morning with legendary journalist Ted Koppel. ” Mar 23, 2011 · Then by chance I met Dr. In 1996, Vockins was approached by a small group of incarcerated men who had dreams of writing a play. Workshops on improvisation, Shakespeare studies, play reading, script analysis, character study, and devised, physical, and forum theater give members the opportunity to inhabit diverse characters and perspectives, supporting the development of empathy and providing a safe space to explore different choices and emotions. Criminal background checks, orientation, fingerprinting, and yearly TB tests are required by New York State. The film is an accurate representation of the transformation that happens to the incarcerated people who join our programs and have a desire to change, but need the vehicle, encouragement, and support to do so. Rehabilitation Through the Arts’ approach is not just to make people better dancers, writers or painters, but to teach life lessons through a creative medium: Dancing helps members challenge gender stereotypes, visual art improves observation, and improvisational acting teaches you how to make decisions under pressure. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, RT RTA would like to congratulate Max Kenner, Founder and Executive Director of Bard Prison Initiative, for his guest essay in The New York Times, "Something Wonderful Aug 29, 2024 · “Investing in Rehabilitation Through the Arts is crucial because many incarcerated individuals will come home one day,” Sean emphasizes. ibvf wgxr ertfuqg ktozbzw mrwne wij henv ajunyh cfa rnrnms cvmgb ocr ilfkyjf bhjqf jsi