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...

Conference photo…

“Thoughts?” Boston, MA

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. 

Free pass token jar…#765

“Token found at 3 Sisters cafe watching the general public eat ice cream. After checking out every flavor combination of ice cream there is, I saw the token jar resting by the door. Curious, I took one as an ‘opportunity’ to pass onto someone else. I look at it as a “free ticket” to well, […]

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 […]