The Free Pass Project – A Social Practice of Spontaneous Compassion and Conversation

Creatively enacting spontaneous compassion and conversation.

(PLEASE NOTE: this website is now an archive of a ten year public art project that engaged and made the day better for over 4,000 people. My full art and project site is www.rachelcyreneblackman.com.)"FREE PASS": two words that can communicate simple compassion. Who needs the grace of a free pass now and again? Almost everyone. Think about your day, and even the last few hours. Has there been a moment where you've given yourself a hard time or been in a frustration? Have you interacted with a loved one or stranger who is stressed, is doing the best they can, feels disengaged from … Read More...

Read Our Stories...

Shy people…

“I obtained a bunch of tokens and did random drops in the Washington DC area while on a trip. I am shy and random drops are the easiest way for me to distribute them. I enjoyed leaving them on subway platforms, on park benches, and in my hotel room for the next guest.” Emily B. 

Library free pass…

I gave this one to my librarian to give to someone else. She said maybe for a late fee. I thought maybe a mom with a loud kid could be an option, too.

Waitress and a free pass

Outstanding Free Pass moment tonight with a young waitress. Showed a token to her and asked if she needed a free pass. She ‘got it’ right away – and snatched it up. If I got the story right, she gave up booze for Lent and had slipped after a job interview. Put it right in […]

Token #367…

 How and where did your free pass token land in your hands?  I was at the opening reception for Open Engagement Conference and I told a woman about how nervous I was for my presentation. She then offered me a free pass. I slept with it under my pillow.  What is the story of your […]