Coffee Talk @ 21c: The Transformative Power of the Arts

Coffee Talks @21c is a monthly community dialogue series that convenes nonprofit leaders, artists, educators, civic stakeholders, and engaged residents to examine the social issues shaping St. Louis.

This month: The Transformative Power of the Arts, will be led by Pr*son Performing Arts (PPA), our January Nonprofit partner of the Month.

This conversation centers the arts as a tool for rehabilitation, accountability, and successful reentry, rather than enrichment alone. Drawing on PPA’s work with incarcerated youth and adults, the session will explore how performing arts programming fosters intellectual curiosity, personal development, discipline, teamwork, and communication—skills essential for reintegration into society.

Participants will engage in a facilitated discussion examining how arts-based practices restore dignity, build emotional literacy, and create pathways to belonging while also encouraging the broader community to connect personally with justice-impacted individuals and support long-term transformation beyond incarceration.

Key Discussion Topics:

Arts as a Pathway to Personal Development
How structured creative practice inspires intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, and growth.

Discipline, Teamwork & Communication
The role of ensemble-based arts in developing the skills required for successful reentry.

Identity, Voice & Accountability
How storytelling and performance help participants redefine themselves beyond incarceration.

Community Connection & Reintegration
Why direct engagement between the public and justice-impacted individuals is essential to long-term change.

Sustaining Impact Beyond Release
The importance of continuing creative opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

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Host or Publisher 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis