Art on the Offense

Call To Artists

Premise: What can artists do to resist those who erode democratic foundations? Artists have always been utilized to create imagery to encourage the discouraged, inspire others to action or evoke change. The unwritten language transmits a powerful message. Imagery has also been employed throughout history to manipulate the undecided and discourage opposition. Adolf Hitler’s chief propagandist and cultural arbiter, Joseph Goebbels, considered that “art is no mere peacetime amusement, but a sharp spiritual weapon of war.” Goebbels used art as a weapon to suppress others and even make it easier for German citizens to murder millions. It is no wonder that the first major cultural institutions to suffer were the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian, like canaries in the coal mine.

We wish to inspire artists to create artwork that mirrors their values as a personal, cathartic exercise but also to rally others to resist the major shift in our governmental systems; perhaps even an end to democracy in the United States of America. To take a stand and create art as a weapon against totalitarianism, unfairness and censorship is a bold step and may even be a dangerous exercise. Let us make known our desire to preserve our civil liberties and uphold the Constitution for which so many have fought and died.

Artwork can take on many forms: a soothing balm of hope amidst turmoil, a subtle persuasion to those on the fence or a lightning bolt destroying norms and illuminating falsehood. We want to extend the reach of the exhibit beyond the gallery walls. To promote freedom of speech, peace and security for everyone, democracy and resistance to authoritarianism, we will encourage visitors to share the images with their social media posts.