At Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), we do more than inspire creativity—we lay the foundation for success beyond prison walls.
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. Here’s how.
The RTA Skill Wheel: A Holistic Approach
At the heart of RTA’s impact is its unique Skill Wheel which makes clear the relationship between RTA activities, the skills learned from these activities, and how they impact family, employment and community life. Central to the Skill Wheel are competencies essential to success: Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, and Resilience and Self-Discipline.
Communication: Building Trust and Expressing Ideas
Research published in the Journal of Correctional Education shows that arts programs significantly improve communication skills. In RTA’s programs, participants practice expressing themselves clearly and confidently, whether performing on stage, writing a poem, or painting. Learning to convey emotions, ideas, and personal narratives helps individuals build trust and form stronger relationships.
This ability directly impacts employment, where clear communication in interviews and on the job is critical. RTA participants often leave the program with improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills, which make them better equipped to navigate workplace dynamics and advocate for themselves in professional settings.
Additionally, strong communication skills play a vital role in family life. Many participants reconnect with loved ones through their art, finding new ways to express feelings they had long struggled to share. This not only strengthens familial bonds but also helps participants establish healthier, more open relationships upon release.
Collaboration: Learning to Work Together for a Common Goal
The collaborative nature of the arts—whether in theater, music, or group art projects—teaches participants the value of teamwork. In an RTA production or a dance workshop, everyone plays a role in the final outcome. Individuals learn to rely on one another, respect different perspectives, and work toward a shared goal.
A survey by the California Lawyers for the Arts revealed that 82% of participants in prison arts programs reported improved teamwork and collaboration skills, which are essential in both work and family life. Problem-solving was also cited as a key skill developed through creative endeavors like theater and visual arts.
These experiences prepare participants for the workplace, where teamwork is essential. In many industries, employers are looking for people who can work effectively in teams, solve problems together, and contribute to a positive work environment. RTA’s focus on collaboration helps individuals enter the workforce with the ability to work well with others, a skill that sets them apart as they reenter society.
Collaborative skills also extend to family and community life. Participants who have learned to work together in RTA programs are better equipped to rebuild family relationships and contribute to their communities. Whether it’s helping a family member in need or volunteering for a local cause, the collaboration skills learned through the arts allow individuals to engage more meaningfully with others.
Problem-Solving: Developing Creativity and Critical Thinking
The arts are a natural playground for problem-solving. Whether rewriting a script, adapting a performance, or finding creative ways to overcome challenges in visual art, RTA participants learn to think critically and develop innovative solutions.
These problem-solving skills are essential in the workplace, where individuals must navigate complex challenges, find solutions to unforeseen problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. Employers consistently seek out people who can think creatively and find ways to improve processes—skills that RTA participants hone through the arts.
Problem-solving also plays a key role in family and community settings. Returning home after incarceration can be difficult, but individuals who have learned to think critically and approach challenges with creativity are better equipped to handle the obstacles they face. Whether it’s mending relationships, navigating the legal system, or overcoming stigma, RTA alumni are empowered to find constructive solutions.
Resilience and Self-Discipline: Overcoming Setbacks and Achieving Goals
Resilience and self-discipline are critical traits for anyone reentering society after incarceration. The arts demand both of these qualities—rehearsals, projects, and performances require commitment, patience, and the ability to overcome setbacks. In RTA programs, participants learn to stay focused on long-term goals, even when faced with difficulties.
Studies by the Arts in Criminal Justice organization report that 75% of participants in arts programs feel that they have developed greater emotional resilience.
These traits are directly applicable to employment, where perseverance is often the key to success. RTA participants leave the program with a sense of discipline that employers value. Whether it’s staying committed to learning a new skill, meeting deadlines, or working hard to overcome barriers, the resilience developed through RTA gives individuals the mental fortitude they need to thrive in the workforce.
Resilience and self-discipline are also essential in family life. Rebuilding relationships after incarceration can be challenging, but individuals who have learned to persevere through adversity are better prepared to stay the course. Likewise, in their communities, RTA alumni often emerge as leaders, using these skills to help others overcome similar challenges.
The Ripple Effect of RTA
Rehabilitation Through the Arts is more than just an arts program—it’s a pathway to success in employment, family, and community life. Through the RTA Skill Wheel, participants develop the critical competencies they need to thrive after prison.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics also indicates that people who participate in educational programs, including the arts, have a 43% lower chance of recidivism compared to those who do not participate.
These skills not only prepare individuals for the challenges of reentry but also empower them to build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. By fostering growth and transformation through the arts, RTA continues to create ripples of change that extend far beyond prison walls.
Learn more about how RTA builds these vital skills and supports lifelong success by visiting our impact page.
Join us in our mission of providing hope, healing, and transformation through the power of the arts. Your tax-deductible donation will help us immediately offer more arts-based programs to break the cycle of incarceration.
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Data Sources:
Silber, L. (2005). “Bars Behind Bars: The Impact of a Women’s Prison Choir on Social Harmony.” Journal of Correctional Education, 56(2), 131-144.
California Lawyers for the Arts. (2015). “Impact of the Arts in Corrections Program: A Progress Evaluation.” Retrieved from https://calawyersforthearts.org
Cooper, R. (2009). “The Impact of the Arts in Criminal Justice Settings: A Review of the Literature.” Arts in Criminal Justice Report. Retrieved from https://artsincriminaljustice.org
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2014). “Correctional Populations in the United States, 2013.” Retrieved from https://bjs.ojp.gov
