Through shared stories of those who committed or were accused of committing crimes, those who got away with them, and those who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system, We Are All Criminals seeks to challenge society’s perceptions of what it means to be “criminal” and erase the barriers that separate us.

You can find Emily in the galleries on September 28, October 26, and November 16.

We invite you to share your story with us.

If you have a criminal record or have had loved ones affected by the criminal justice system: know that each of us is more than our mistakes; you are not alone. Add your story to the collection of voices gathered across the US.

But if you haven’t been arrested or charged with an offense and don’t think the label “criminal” applies to you: spend some time thinking about it.

Sit by yourself.
Think of college. High school. Middle school.
Think about a time when you were drunk, or young, or stupid, or rebelling, or exploring, or angry, or in a bad relationship, or hanging out with the wrong crowd. Think of a time when no one was looking, or when they really should have paid you more, or when it wasn’t your idea anyway.
Think of the time no one got hurt, so it shouldn’t count.
Or when you gave it back anyway.
Or when they didn’t even miss it.
Or when it was just once.
Or when everyone else was doing it.
Or when you felt like you had no choice.
Think of how your life would be different had you been caught.
Had you been labeled an addict, or an assailant, or a fraud, or a thief?

So, what’s your story? Share it with us.