We believe in the power of art to spur dialogue – to inspire action! When words are not enough, we lean on the propensity of art to engage people in critical conversations about issues that matter in their lives. In the midst of two controversial, divisive elections and increasing legislative efforts around the country to disenfranchise people of color, we believe that the time to act is now. This exhibition reminds Americans of the relentless struggle for voting rights and the need, in a democracy, to be vigilant watchdogs of civil rights.  

Voter suppression has a longstanding history in our country and the deliberate, yet insidious attempts to disenfranchise voters have only become more explicit and aggressive. Since January 2021, 19 states have enacted over 30 laws that make it harder for Americans to vote. These laws disproportionately target voters of color and poor voters and not only restrict access to the polls, but leverage the threat of criminal charges to intimidate citizens from participating in the electoral process. The 2013 Shelby v. Holder Supreme Court decision weakened the power of the 1965 Voting Rights Act to protect voters from discrimination. The outcome of the case was a major setback, specifically for African American voters, paving the way for state legislators to reinstitute racial gerrymandering practices and curtail inclusive voting methods such as mail-in voting. Although many states have recently passed more expansive laws, access to voting continues to depend on who we are, how we look, and where we live. However, elections should be nonpartisan events and access to voting should be equitable, fair, and free. 

The protection of the vote for every American is essential to the strength and fundamental integrity of our democracy. The Sam & Adele Golden Gallery invites a curated selection of artists to reflect on the historical and increasingly present barriers we face when voting. The exhibition is timed to open only months before the 2023 general elections and will be supplemented by a traveling schedule, catalog, and public programming that parallel the race for the 2024 presidential election. These artists invite viewers to contemplate the importance of American democracy, the power of voting, and the laws and legislation that have a major impact on who can – and cannot – vote. The vote is a voice and we aim to encourage people to speak up. 

“For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us.” 

– an open letter in the April 2021 New York Times in defense of voting rights, signed by nearly 700 business, tech, health and nonprofit industry leaders.