Washington D.C. – People For the American Way Foundation is excited to announce that it is partnering with the Center for Artistic Activism in a new project, “Art for the Polls.” The project is part of People For’s Artists for the American Way campaign, and will offer artists free training in how to use their creative talents to register voters, get out the vote, and encourage civic participation.
“Art speaks to people on a level that other types of communication can’t match,” said People For the American Way Foundation President Svante Myrick. “We’ve always believed in the power of art to motivate, inspire and move people to action. Our nonpartisan Artists for the American Way campaign is already bringing together world-renowned artists who will create work designed to get out the vote. This partnership with the Center for Artistic Activism really expands the campaign’s horizons to allow many more artists, and aspiring artists, to participate. That’s exciting because the more people participate, the healthier our democracy will become.”
“At the Center for Artistic Activism, we’ve trained hundreds of artists all over the world in using their creativity and unique worldviews to inspire direct social change, especially around supporting voters and the freedom to vote in the United States,” said Rachel Gita Karp, Director of the Unstoppable Voters Program at the Center for Artistic Activism. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with People For the American Way Foundation to help artists who want to mobilize folks to the polls this crucial election year.”
“Our democracy only works when we all vote,” said Rio Tazewell, Director of Campaigns for People For the American Way Foundation. “Our founder Norman Lear knew that, and he also knew the immense power of the creative arts to get people excited about participating in our democracy. Our Artists for the American Way campaign carries on Norman’s legacy of activism through the arts, a legacy that is deeply embedded in our DNA as an organization. This partnership with the Center for Artistic Activism is a perfect match.”
The nonpartisan Art for the Polls project will provide free online workshops for artists to join from anywhere in the country. In addition, artists in New York and North Carolina will have the opportunity to join an additional workshop and to qualify for funding for civic engagement projects.
In addition to collaborating on Art for the Polls, Artists for the American Way provides a platform for leading professional artists to create and share work encouraging Americans to vote.
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About People For the American Way Foundation People For the American Way Foundation, 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