By Molly Given

Eastern State Penitentiary is leaning into creativity this winter, unveiling a new multi-year artist residency and exhibition series alongside a fresh lineup of seasonal events this month.

The residency, dubbed ‘ReVision: Art and Justice’, will welcome three artists, and each cycle will span eight months and culminate in major installations (debuting in fall 2026, summer 2027, and spring 2028.)

As a release notes, with the program, artists will work closely with Eastern State’s staff, collaborate with community partners, engage visitors through public programs, and share their process through behind-the-scenes digital storytelling—all of which contributes to a larger goal of shining a spotlight on justice-impacted creatives. The venue has received a $360,000 grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, which recently announced 44 new awards to support our local region’s organizations and artists.

“Eastern State Penitentiary was founded on a radical belief in human dignity and our capacity for change, and this program carries that legacy forward in a meaningful way,” says Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of ESP. “ReVision: Art and Justice’ amplifies the voices of artists directly impacted by the justice system and strengthens our commitment to inspiring a more just future.”

Events highlight storytelling, resilience

This winter, locals can also visit the venue for pop-up events designed to challenge and reshape perceptions of incarceration in the United States. This weekend, for one, holds an event dubbed ‘Justice 101: Songs of Redemption: Stories, Music, and the Struggle for Justice’ (Dec. 18, 6 to 7 p.m.)

The evening (which will also be available to stream online via Zoom and YouTube) will feature music, storytelling, and reflection to celebrate the rededication of Eastern State’s historic synagogue. Once a space of worship within the penitentiary, “the synagogue is now a lasting symbol of resilience, renewal, and justice.” The program will feature a menorah lighting and blessing, story readings by local actors, Hanukkah-inspired treats, a musical performance by award-winning, local singer/songwriter Avi Wisnia, and ways to explore Eastern State’s synagogue and Jewish Life Exhibit.

This Saturday (Dec. 20) also launches ‘Shared Light’, which features a full slew of winter activities (free with general admission.) Held at the venue through Dec. 31, the activation utilizes historical accounts, guided tours, and hands-on activities to show visitors how people at Eastern State Penitentiary marked holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Day—finding “moments of light, connection, and meaning within the confines of prison life.”

Mini-tours offer deeper insight

There’s also a new mini-tour at the venue. Dubbed ‘Sacred Spaces in Unlikely Places’, while on the experience, guests will get access to the venue’s restored synagogue space, which highlights both its architectural features and its spiritual meaning for those who worshipped here.

Another mini tour at the venue, ‘Chaplain’s Office Murals’, will explore works of art on the grounds created by prisoners (available select times daily, included with standard admission), while another seasonal guide-led tour and discussion (noon on weekdays, 11 a.m. on weekends) will feature additional content about winter celebrations at Eastern State Penitentiary and in prisons today. All tours are limited capacity and subject to availability.

Last but not least, visitors at the ESP this  season can also partake in the venue’s scavenger hunt. Aimed for kids and their caregivers, the hunt packet is available upon entry and included with admission. Those who complete it also have a chance to win a prize.

For more information on all upcoming programming at Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave.), visit easternstate.org