In a bustling city square, among the rush of everyday life, stands a striking sight: a collection of 38 sculptures, each representing a person caught in limbo. These sculptures, crafted from real expungement papers, symbolize the plight of millions of Americans with prior criminal records who are struggling to find meaningful employment due to bureaucratic barriers.
This powerful art installation, titled “The Waiting Workforce,” is the brainchild of JPMorgan Chase and creative agency Droga5, in collaboration with The Glue Society and Biscuit Filmworks. Its purpose? To shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with past criminal records and advocate for Clean Slate legislation, which offers a pathway to automatic record clearing and increased employment opportunities.
The concept is simple yet profound: for each of the 38 states that have yet to pass Clean Slate legislation, a sculpture stands as a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done. The installation serves as a call to action, urging policymakers and communities to support initiatives that remove barriers to reentry and promote second chances.
The timing of the installation is deliberate, coinciding with Second Chance Month in April. It’s a month dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records and advocating for policies that support their reintegration into society. By hosting the installation in Philadelphia’s Independence Plaza, the birthplace of American freedom, JPMorgan Chase hopes to spark conversations and inspire change on a national scale.
But “The Waiting Workforce” is more than just an art piece—it’s a symbol of JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to humanity. As a firm, JPMorgan Chase strives to make dreams possible for everyone, everywhere, every day. This campaign is a tangible expression of that commitment, demonstrating the firm’s dedication to addressing systemic issues and driving positive social impact.
Scott Bell, Chief Creative Officer at Droga5, emphasizes the importance of creativity in effecting change: “This was a creative solution for such an important cause… JPMorgan Chase does a lot of work already in this space to help people. We hope that ‘The Waiting Workforce’ can help raise awareness of the issue and shine a light on the dire need for the remaining states to pass Clean Slate legislation.”
Indeed, “The Waiting Workforce” is more than just an art installation—it’s a catalyst for change. Through its thought-provoking imagery and powerful message, it challenges us to rethink our perceptions of individuals with criminal records and advocate for policies that enable their successful reintegration into society.
As visitors interact with the installation and learn about the stories behind each sculpture, they are invited to join the conversation and become advocates for change. Whether through social media activism or grassroots advocacy, every action counts in the fight for a more equitable and inclusive society.
In conclusion, “The Waiting Workforce” is a testament to the transformative power of art and advocacy. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic and policy debate are real people with real stories, deserving of dignity, opportunity, and a second chance. And with the support of initiatives like Clean Slate legislation and the tireless efforts of organizations like JPMorgan Chase and Droga5, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
