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Talking Art (2009-2013)

This program was initiated by the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown in cooperation with the juvenile court of the county of Berkshire (Massachusetts). Instead of punishment, R.A.I.S.E. (Responding to Art Involves Self Expression) offers an alternative behavioral approach for young offenders. This program fosters exchanges, education, and the promotion of speech as a constructive response to improving their situation. Through a new artistic experience, young people become aware of their skills through dialogue on works of art and creative workshops. Listening, respecting others, and self-confidence are at the heart of this exemplary program. Because of its success, the project was developed for two French FRAME museums: the Musées de Marseille in 2008 and the Musée Fabre de Montpellier in 2010. In France, in consultation with judicial authorities, the program has been adapted to adult prisoners (Montpellier), and for young people in Juvenile Jail Establishment (Marseille).

Family Reunion, oil on canvas, 2012. Self-Portraits made by six young people in Juvenile Jail Establishment in Marseille after studying The Vocation of Saint-Mathieu by Caravaggio (1599) on the occasion of the FRAME exhibition Caravaggio and his Legacy. © Service des publics des musées de la Ville de Marseille.