By RJ Mello, Communications Intern
In any social justice movement, you will always find creatives. Artists help us imagine a new world or illuminate what is not said nor easily seen. It is the combination of community engagement and creative envisioning that make a movement memorable and impactful. Right now, we are happy to highlight the artistic work that has arisen during our efforts to support youth engagement during the election season.
Earlier this year, ACLU of Colorado asked artists to create artworks that would promote open discussion around the importance of voting. Art the Vote encourages local Colorado creatives to express their voting-related emotions through their artistic practice.
Artists from across Colorado submitted thoughtful artworks to the statewide competition. Winning art was chosen through a public voting system, and all submitted pieces were displayed at an ACLU-sponsored celebration at Lady Justice Brewing.
At the event, speaker, artist, and longtime community advocate Chloe Duplessis spoke about the push for young artists to engage with democracy. The celebration also highlighted three young artists who sold their work and spoke to community members about why they wanted to be involved.
Young people need to support and encourage one another to turn out and vote during an election. Events like Art the Vote help garner this discussion and empower community members by platforming and celebrating young voices.
You can view the pieces submitted to the Art the Vote competition here.
