Project Information

Justice Mandala explores restorative justice: the act of seeking solutions that repair, reconcile, and rebuild relationships. Through a unique partnership between the NU Hotel Brooklyn, the New York City Department of Correction, and the Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn BID / Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, a team of young artists, including some formerly incarcerated youth, transformed the State Street side of the Brooklyn Detention Complex. Empowered to add their voices to the public dialogue, these young people spent seven weeks connecting their personal experiences to the larger conversation about restorative justice. The youth explored the concept of the Buddhist mandala, contemplating what it means to live restoratively. The result is three vibrant and contemporary mandalas lining the back wall of the Brooklyn Detention Complex. Interspersed between the large circles are floating keys, which represent the ability to open doors and unlock new opportunities.