Voices From Inside is a groundbreaking exhibition that showcases the lived experiences of people currently and formerly incarcerated in Michigan. We asked them about their lives before, during, and after incarceration. Our goals are to contextualize experiences of incarceration within an individual’s whole, human life, and to offer a platform for incarcerated people to share their unfiltered experience with the public.
Oral history interviews with formerly incarcerated people ranged from 90 minutes to almost three hours. They spoke about their childhoods, their first experiences of the criminal punishment system, how they coped in prison, and how they have rebuilt their lives since their release. Currently incarcerated individuals sent in written testimonials covering the same subjects. Testimonials ranged from a few pages long to over 80 pages. For some, this was their first-ever invitation to share their story on their own terms.
This exhibition draws connections across many people’s experiences by presenting excerpts from these testimonials grouped thematically. Complete testimonies and interviews are available to view at the Archive page.
Please Note: Many of the stories contain graphic descriptions of interpersonal and systemic violence, lack of resources, assault, and mental health struggles. We have attempted to flag particularly distressing segments with content notes, but be advised that you may find additional content distressing and/or triggering. We have chosen not to censor any of our participants’ experiences. Please proceed with care.