Community
Get Inspired By Artists Working and Organizing To Get Out The Vote
By Cathy Niland | 10.13.2020
You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s always worth repeating: vote!
We know first-hand that artists are leaders when it comes to politics and the big issues, and with so much at stake in the 2020 election, many are working with organizations to encourage voter turnout. Campaigns like Plan Your Vote and When We All Vote are using art to connect folks to voter resources and inspire participation in the upcoming election.
LA-based artist, Edie Fake created this design, one of five artist-originals going up in 50 cities across the country.
To get you ready for the election, we’ve collected a handful of these works below. From murals to ceramics to jewelry, artists across the country are encouraging folks to vote this November and we hope it inspires you to cast your ballot, spread the word, and maybe even volunteer at your local polling place.
And while you’re here, please check out our quick list of voter resources including important dates and links for things like Alameda County official ballot drop-off locations.
Your 2020 Alameda County Voter Resources
Election Day: November 3, 2020
Important Dates and Deadlines For Alameda County Voters
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020: Vote-by-mail ballots will begin to arrive.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020: Voter registration deadline.
Register online or postmark your registration by October 19, 2020.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020: Election Day.
Alameda County voters can locate their polling place here.
You can conditionally register and vote at your county elections office after the 15-day voter registration deadline.
Voter Resources
- Early voting: find your official ballot drop off location.
- Alameda County official voter guide.
- Voting locations will be open starting Saturday, October 31, 2020, through Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
- Once you have voted, you can track the status of your ballot here.
- Become a much-needed poll worker.
Artists Working To Inspire Voters
Across the country, artists are partnering with organizations and institutions to raise funds and increase voter turn-out! Check out some of the work happening in the Bay Area and beyond!
#Textiles4MVP
Textile artists are auctioning off original works under the Instagram hashtag #Textiles4MVP to raise funds for grassroots organizations.
Art At The Polls
At the Institute of Contemporary Art San José, you can cast your ballot and see a new mural by Amir H. Fallah. “I want them to think about what their vote means,” says Fallah.
Centering Artists In Politics
For Freedoms is an artist-led organization working to center the voices of artists in public discourse and expand what participation in a democracy looks like.
Statement Jewelry
Shaina, the Anchorage-based artist behind Ridge and River, has been creating beaded VOTE earrings, with proceeds benefitting When We All Vote.
Artists Band Together
15 artist-designed bandanas are being sold through “Artists Band Together” to benefit organizations registering voters from historically disenfranchised communities of color.
More Than A Catchphrase
These mugs, also benefitting When We All Vote, were created by the NYC-based duo behind Franca and designed similarly to their BLM fundraiser mugs.
Local Artists Speak Up
The Santa Rosa Arts Center has collected works from local artists focusing on the election and related issues for a virtual exhibition called “VOTE 2020!“.
Artists-In-Presidents
In this new project, visual artists, writers, poets, and other creatives are sharing their thoughts on topics that fuel this election season and current American politics.
Keep Reading
Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area Events
Throughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events Calendar
Every February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Test Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 Years
It’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!
We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Crucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023
This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Art Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki Smeltzer
In the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...