‘The Waiting Workforce’ - JPMorgan / The Glue Society

2024, expungement papers, steel

An estimated one in three Americans has a criminal record, and millions have, as a result, faced significant barriers to finding meaningful employment. The paperwork involved in trying to clear their names and expunge their records is often financially and logistically prohibitive—leaving many unable to find work that matches their level of training.

JPMorgan Chase and creative agency Droga5 commissioned The Glue Society to create an art installation called The Waiting Workforce, featuring 38 human-shaped sculptures—one for each state that has not passed Clean Slate legislation. I collaborated in my role as Production Designer.

The proposed legislation would automatically clear criminal records once individuals complete their sentences. The Glue Society also directed a film aiming to raise awareness and prompt meaningful change.

Written by Droga5 NY / Commissioned by JPMorgan Chase / Directed by The Glue Society.