How we’re using art to get out the vote

An image of prison bars that says "Done with Trump"

10/08/2024

As this extremely important election draws near, we’re using art to mobilize voters around the country. We’re working with world-renowned artists to create pieces that capture attention and send a clear message: We must vote to prevent Donald Trump from ever again having power.

“Art is a powerful engine for change in social and political movements,” said People For the American Way Director of Campaigns Rio Tazewell. “Billboards, street art, and other mediums for visual art leave impressions and move people to action in a way that conventional political messaging cannot. Through this campaign, we seek to inspire as many people as possible to fully participate in the 2024 election and beyond.”  

Art fundraisers and auctions

To help spread the word about our work getting out the vote in key battleground states, we worked with some of our amazing artists at in-person events around the country, gathering together to celebrate art and raise awareness about the importance of voting in this election. Artists For Democracy Shepard Fairey, Victoria Cassinova, and Beverly McIver spoke at the events, and numerous artists contributed signed prints and other artwork.

A collage of artists speaking with their art, including Shepard Fairey, Victoria Cassinova, and Beverly McIver

We also conducted auctions with legendary auction houses Sotheby’s and Freeman’s | Hindman, where we sold a collection of fine art from titans of the contemporary art world like Ed Ruscha, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Ellsworth Kelly. These auctions were huge successes that brought in fantastic support for our get out the vote efforts.

Strategically placed billboards

To get our artwork in front of even more viewers, we’re placing billboards in key states that highlight the importance of voting to keep Trump out of office. From impassioned pleas to not let Trump win to powerful statements about abortion rights and much more, these billboards showcase what’s at stake in this election and encourage everyone to participate in our democracy. The billboards will be featured in battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona and North Carolina.

View the artwork

Participating and featured artists