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SOZE.

Formerly incarcerated artists now have the opportunity to apply for a $20,000 arts fellowship.

In a report from Mic, The Soze Agency has launched a $100,000 fellowship for painters, sculptors, filmmakers and performers who were once incarcerated called “The Right of Return USA Fellowship.” Recipients of the fellowship (only five are selected) will receive $20,000 each, which will be used for projects addressing criminal justice reform. Also included in the program is a three-day retreat offering recipients master classes on campaigns; criminal justice policy and art history.

“Artists have always been able to tap into something that is unique and vibrant,” Soze Agency co-founder Michael Skolnik, said in a statement. “Imagine what artists who have experienced incarceration have to share with the rest of the world.”

Two recipients have already been selected for the inaugural fellowship: Russell Craig and Jesse Krimes, both Philadelphia-based artists.

“We firmly believe that formerly incarcerated individuals not only have a right to fully return to society, but can offer innovative solutions to one of the most pressing issues of our time,” Craig and Krimes said in a joint statement.

“Art can provide a visual for people that are blind to [the] system or don’t really know what goes on in it,” Craig added. “It also provides a voice for those who went through the experience or some that will never have the opportunity to tell their story.”

Craig and Krimes will work with a panel of judges to pick the three remaining recipients.

The Right of Return USA Fellowship is a necessary opportunity. When people leave prison and try to adapt back into society, they are often faced with employment discrimination, as well as other struggles that makes the transition difficult. The recent resurgence of Kalief Browder‘s story (courtesy of Jay Z) highlights how challenging (and sometimes deadly) it all can be.

The application is currently open, with the deadline closing on April 21, 2017.