Frank Zappa

American composer, 1940-1993

Frank Zappa, an American composer, often emphasized the importance of challenging the status quo. From the 1960s until his death in 1993, Zappa produced more than 60 albums that blended rock, jazz, classical, avant-garde, and satirical elements. His values of experimentation and artistic freedom are represented in this quote from a 1971 interview with VPRO-TV (Netherlands): “Progress is not possible without deviation.” 

He believed that true creativity came from questioning the way things are and embracing risk. For Zappa, innovation was not about chasing novelty for its own sake but about pushing artistic expression into uncharted territory. He often criticized passive consumption and the commodification of art, urging audiences and fellow artists to think critically and experiment boldly. In this way, Zappa modeled creativity as both an act of personal freedom and a form of cultural resistance.

Redefining what it means to achieve justice requires new tools, new skills, and a more holistic approach to achieving safety. Justice Innovation Lab helps communities improve their justice systems by harnessing the power of data, facilitating values-driven decision-making, and building innovative solutions. We foster effective conversations on challenges facing the community and help stakeholders develop alternatives to existing practices.