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...

Free pass for women…

“I know I’m going to need more tokens, since I know a lot of people who need them. They are mostly women, who struggle to do their best, are hard on themselves, and are not getting any gratitude, appreciation or validation of their courageous efforts!” San Jose, CA

Cat Free Pass

Today I received a free pass token. I got back home and I continued my stressful day. I stripped the bed because my cats had peed on it and worried about my wierd new roommate. I sat down at my computer and was worried about my job and my future. Soon I laid on my […]

Public speaking…

Pittsburgh, PA

Shopping line…

“I was grocery shopping one afternoon and made a bee line for the shortest line. The couple ahead of me had a full to overflowing carriage and a screaming, red-faced 2 year old, clearly in need of a nap, which her mother kept calmly repeating, each utterance met with another wail from the child. I […]