WASHINGTON, DC– To defeat Trump at the ballot box in the 2024 presidential election, more than 20 world-renowned artists including Shepard Fairey, Carrie Mae Weems, Beverly McIver, Titus Kaphar, Hank Willis Thomas, Victoria Cassinova, Christine Sun Kim, Alyson Shotz, Amalia Mesa-Baines, Angelica Muro, Cleon Peterson and more in partnership with People For the American Way, are launching Artists For Democracy 2024. The project is a massive, multi-platform, GOTV campaign aimed at using artwork to mobilize Americans across the country, particularly in the battleground states, to defend our fundamental freedoms and to save our democracy.
The main goal of Artists For Democracy 2024, co-chaired by Carrie Mae Weems and Shepard Fairey, is twofold: to motivate people to go to the polls in 2024 and to reframe, reclaim and recontextualize concepts like “freedom,” “patriotism,” and “the American Way.”
“People For the American Way has a long history of working with artists to defend our nation’s founding ideals and generate the political participation necessary to win electoral and legislative victories,” said People For the American Way President Svante Myrick. “In 2024, we are faced with a particularly complex set of circumstances that requires all the strategic insight and creativity we can muster.”
As part of the continued legacy of People For the American Way founder and legendary TV producer Norman Lear, a staunch opponent of authoritarianism, Artists For Democracy 2024 will use art to tap into voters’ core values and inspire people to take action to achieve a more equitable society. One of the art pieces included in the campaign is a portrait of Lear by Shepard Fairey that was inspired by photographer Peter Yang, whose work served as his inspiration. View sample art pieces here.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation. I am teaming up with People For the American Way to launch the Artists For Democracy campaign because there is so much at stake in this election, and it’s important that we all do everything we can to defend our fundamental freedoms,” said contemporary street artist, graphic artist and social activist Shepard Fairey, who emerged from the skateboarding scene and is now part of the Street Art movement. In addition to the work he has done with People For the American Way, some of Fairey’s iconic work includes Andre the Giant Has a Posse, Rock the Vote, Obey Giant, and the Barack Obama Hope poster.
“As artists, we are the storytellers of our time. Voting is the foundation of our collective narrative, upon which our collective futures are built,” said Carrie Mae Weems, who has risen to international fame in her five decades as a multimedia artist, using photographs, fiber arts, video, digital images and installations to investigate race, class, gender and power. “The next chapter of our nation’s history is being written as we speak, and what we do now will determine our collective fate as a country; Trump. Must. Be. Defeated.”
Artists For Democracy 2024 will also include a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of billboards in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and to engage in an organization-wide campaign that will include peer-to-peer texting, radio PSAs, on the ground organizers, targeted digital ads and art activations with potential expansion into more key battleground states, like North Carolina and Georgia.
Campaign activities will include the release of visual prints, custom-made merchandise, radio ads, digital ads, celebrity videos, bus wraps and billboards, as well as press outreach and social media focused on five major areas:
- Defending fundamental rights
- Reclaiming freedoms
- Demanding justice
- Building a shared vision for our collective future
- Defining the American Way
**ARTIST QUOTES**
Titus Kaphar – “In the tapestry of democracy, each vote is a thread that weaves together to form the fabric of our society. As artists, we have a unique ability to stitch together stories of truth, resilience, and hope. In this election, getting the truth out there in ways that resonate with people is perhaps more important than ever.”
Sam Messer – “Donald Trump is an existential threat to our democracy. In 2020 I participated in People For the American Way’s Enough of Trump campaign, and in 2024, I am committed to continuing my work with them to do everything in my power as an artist and as a person to defend our country from fascism.”
Deborah Kass – “Our fundamental rights and freedoms are at stake in this election. We need to be shouting that from the rooftops. Using our art is one way to do that, and I am committed to doing my part to reach people in every way that we can.”
Alyson Shotz – “It's an honor to be working once more with People For the American Way to defeat the biggest threat to American democracy in recent history, or perhaps ever: Donald Trump.”
Beverly McIver – “I am thrilled to rejoin forces with People for the American Way, this time for the Artists for Democracy campaign. I firmly believe in the essential pursuit of equality for all, regardless of race, creed, or gender. My sincere hope is that this campaign serves as a powerful call to action, motivating everyone to participate in the democratic process by casting their votes.”
Angelica Muro – “Voting is our declaration of values, our commitment to shaping a better world. Our actions, and our art, are further expression of that commitment.”
Victoria Cassinova – “The power of art lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and speak to the soul. As we cast our votes, let us remember that democracy is the canvas upon which we paint our aspirations. VOTE!”
Cleon Peterson – "In a democracy, voting isn't just a right, it's a responsibility. It's the instrument of change wielded by the people. It's our responsibility to fight injustice and defend our liberties through action.”
Christine Sun Kim – "As we move toward the pivotal election that lies ahead, I am excited to be collaborating once more with People For the American Way on the Artists For Democracy 2024 campaign, to defend our fundamental freedoms, utilizing my art as a means to help safeguard our nation from the threat of authoritarianism."
John Lehr – “As an artist, I believe in the transformative power of creativity to inspire change. Voting is our brush, democracy our canvas. Join me in the Artists For Democracy 2024 campaign, where our art meets activism.”
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About People For the American Way
People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org