Celebrations + Opportunities to Engage
Joseph Jackson recognized by Mainebiz as one of the 2026 Business Leaders of the Year
Maine Inside Out Co-Executive Director Joseph Jackson was recognized by Mainebiz as one of the 2026 Business Leaders of the Year for his work as Executive Director of Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition.
Reflecting on this recognition, MIO Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder Chiara Liberatore shares: “Joseph’s dedication, experience, skill, and leadership qualities have never wavered. He demonstrates this through years of his presence in MIO’s community programming, and through his clear and courageous advocacy for a criminal justice system that is ethical, humane, and restorative. Joseph holds a clear-eyed view that because ending mass incarceration will take time, we need to set up reform structures along the way that put people’s lives and humanity at the center, and that we must leave no one behind.”
Advance Screening of New MIO Film Engages Audience in Dialogue
We held a pre-release screening of Maine Inside Out’s latest short film featuring the “Broken Clock” tour on March 30 at Orange Bike Brewing Co. in Portland, followed by heart-centered dialogue about mass incarceration among the audience, which included long-time MIO supporters, leaders, artists, and people joining an MIO event for the first time. The room was full of love, and resolve to take action. Deep gratitude to all who were able to join us, to Orange Bike for hosting, and to our amazing food donors: Bam Bam Bakery, Bite Into Maine, and Magissa.
MIO Board Co-Chairs Reba Askari and Jonah Fertig-Burd each shared their own story about why they are part of this organization:
“When people ask me why I joined the board of Maine Inside Out, the answer is actually very simple: I believe in the power of theatre to change lives.” Read Reba’s reflections here.
“For over 25 years, I've been working in spaces defined by co- words: cooperative, collaborative, collective, community, connection. There are not just concepts—but practices and ways of being.” Read Jonah’s reflections here.
Audience members articulated why MIO’s work is so powerful:
People need to understand what’s happening behind prison walls.
We’re complicit in the way the system is operating. I’m feeling the need to be more active.
This work embodies love, persistence, and resistance.
The generational impact of incarceration could not have been more clear. Can we do better?
We’re all going home tonight. How many people in our state/region/world can’t go home tonight?
We are looking forward to the film’s public premiere at our June performances.
We hope you can join us!
Juneteenth Premiere: MIO Creative Ensemble
New stories. Live theater. Collective reckoning.
Maine Inside Out’s 2026 Creative Ensemble premieres a new original play + a new short documentary film - celebrating Juneteenth with live theater, film, and audience dialogue about mass incarceration in the US.
LEWISTON: The Public Theatre
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Doors 6:30pm, Show 7 pm
PORTLAND: Mayo Street Arts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Doors 6:30pm, Show 7 pm
Maine Inside Out’s newly formed 2026 Creative Ensemble takes the stage for the first time, premiering an original play drawn from lived experience, and a short documentary film about the 2025 ensemble’s “Broken Clock” tour. Honoring Juneteenth, these events center Black history, lived experience, and collective liberation, inviting audiences into active dialogue about US mass incarceration. These premieres are the launch of a statewide tour that will bring this work inside prisons, onto college campuses, and into communities across Maine.
These premieres are a rare chance to witness first-time performances from artists sharing their own stories, and to sit in a room where the walls between audience and performer dissolve. At a moment when the US holds more people in prison than any other country, this is a space to feel, think, and reckon together.
Partner Spotlight
Outsider: Documentary Screening, Gallery Exhibit, and Discussion
ArtVan, in partnership with LA Arts, the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and the OUTSIDER Project presents OUTSIDER, a conversation about mental health and the powerful role of art in healing, expression, and community connection.
Opening Reception: May 1, 2026, 5-7pm
Documentary Screening, Panel Discussion, Gallery Exhibit, and Community Forum
L/A Arts, 168 Lisbon St., Lewiston
Free and open to the public
Learn more and register here
Maine Youth Leadership Conference
Maine Youth Action Network recently collaborated with a statewide team of youth leaders to host 400+ middle and high school students at Central Maine Community College for the annual Maine Youth Leadership Conference. Watch a video of highlights!
