MIRROR IMAGE ARTS™

courage. curiosity. community. play

We are a Youth Advocacy organization disrupting the Pipeline to Prison through Restorative Theatre. We bring Restorative Theatre™ to youth and youth serving adults in schools, community organizations, and detention centers. We create spaces of healing and belonging while deepening social emotional well-being. Our work is the collective liberation of all.

We want to celebrate with you the collective generosity that was on display at IGYB! It was a powerful evening. Our youth participants spoke with courage and honesty, reminding us why this work matters so deeply. As James said when he accepted his Disruptor Award: “It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, it matters who we are and where we’re going.”

Together, we raised $57,411, bringing us just $2,589 away from our $60,000 goal. Every dollar invested helps keep our Restorative Theatre™ programs free for youth, ensuring that young people across Colorado know they are seen, heard, and supported.

What can I do next?

Here Are 4 Ways to Say “I Got Your Back!”

#1: Volunteer with Mirror Image Arts! Take our quick survey to help us better understand how you might invest your time at MIA. VOLUNTEER

#2: SAVE THE DATE//MIA Open House Nov.18th: It’ll be a party! D.J., Drinks, Appetizers, Self Guided Tours of our facility. Come visit our Center for Restorative Theatre™ in Arvada.

#3: Help Us Stock Our Donation Closet and Pantry: Our donation closet and pantry help meet essential needs of our youth participants. CLICK HERE

#4: Help us close our fundraising gap. Invest in youth today.

Thanks Again! - The MIA Ensemble

Photo credit: Joe Fox with Joeski Productions LLC

The Pipeline to Prison

We are disrupting the Pipeline to Prison through Restorative Theatre™ throughout the Greater Denver Metropolitan Area.

The pipeline is a charged and complicated issue, affecting youth everywhere we operate. The United States persists in incarcerating children and youth despite overwhelming evidence of its ineffectiveness in steering them away from further system involvement. Although the number of youths arrested and incarcerated has declined significantly between 2000 and 2020, the decline is not spread equitably across all demographics. Children of color are especially vulnerable to overcriminalization and therefore overrepresented on every front. Of the 265,600 children arrested in the United States in 2021, 1 in 3 were Black children, though Black children constitute only 15% of the nation’s youth population.

Mirror Image Arts™ utilizes Restorative Theatre™, positive youth development, and trauma-informed and restorative approaches to disrupt this pipeline. We work with youth (ages 7-21) in schools, diversion programs, and juvenile detention centers. Through our work we aim to:

  • Provide youth a safe, caring relationship with a trusted adult.

  • Co-create spaces of belonging where youth AND youth-serving adults can build self-awareness, connection and empathy.

  • Offer youth-supported spaces where they can process their emotions, practice bold decision-making, and reflect on the results of their choices.

  • Role model for youth how resilience can be expressed so they can navigate difficult social situations and come back stronger.

  • Assist schools and youth detention centers in their move from punitive disciplinary practices toward positive youth development and healing-centered engagement.