storm row studio

Art Act

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The world needs its artists now more than ever. We’re facing many of the most complex and serious problems and questions of our lifetimes and artists of all kinds must be part of the conversation. To make an impact, we also must become a collective voice that speaks in the present for the future we want. If we act, speak, and create as a united front, our power and vision are undeniable. And one artful act begets another. So, let’s get started.

Welcome to Art Act.

Art Act is a craftivist campaign and art exhibit highlighting progressive and democratic ideas, candidates, & action focused on equality, equity, & dignity for all. Art Act art demands truth, non-violence, access to education, democracy, voting rights, human rights, gun violence prevention, and solutions to the climate crisis. Art Act art advances ideas that create a safer world now and for future generations.

Want to join in? Whether you create one piece this year or one piece a day for a year, add your voice, vision, and artivism to the mix by sharing your art on any platform with hashtags #ArtAct or #ArtActDiplomat.

A WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: They come and go or evolve and we each have a preference. Share your art wherever it works for you.

My own Art Act art resides here, on storm row studio's blog, and on Patreon. The blog is a landing page for information and resources. I'll share art here from time to time, but most of my Art Art pieces will live on the public pages of Patreon. Click here to view.

If you join in, rely on your craft to guide you. Make something that promotes a progressive candidate or policy or voting. Make something that advances a progressive social statement, explains how to write or call Electeds, or serves as a PSA about new election laws or how to get involved in elections, including volunteer opportunities with local LDs or postcard- or letter-writing. Make something that highlights a solution to a problem in the world, calls for peace, or donation information. All kinds of art make a difference, including:

Visual Art, like:

Digital & Analog Art, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Collage, Fiber Art, Comics, Pottery, Sculpture, Graphics, Fashion, Video, including pet vids

Written Art, like:

Poetry, Recipes, Truth/Facts, Journalism, Quotes or Passages from Favorite Activists, Authors, Books, Characters (including your own, if you’re an author)

Performance Art, like:

Dance, Music & Song, Spoken Word & Sign Language, Acting or Public Theatre, Cooking, Sports Challenges, Athletics

STEM

That’s right. Is your art math? Gives us the stats. Is your art science? Show us the facts. Is your art technology or engineering? Demonstrate why the parts and pieces matter to building something safer, smarter, better.

No matter your craft—gardening, knitting, cooking, woodwork, weaving, quilting, streetwear, furniture-making, home décor, tattoos, sewing, robotics—whatever you make with your hands, make it make a statement with heart.

And then share it!

Remember, if you post on social media, consider accessibility for those who use screen readers & remember to add alt-text (short, written description) to your images & capitalize the 1st letter of each word in your hashtags. It can be a fun challenge to be creative & bold with formatting & tools. You can do it!

Also, in election years, the campaign & election process moves quickly. It's okay for art to be imperfect. The goal is to Get Out The Vote for the candidates & initiatives that improve lives. In fact, showing one's hand in the art work makes it more personal, and thus, more effective.

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Art Act is a work-in-progress, always adapting to best serve the purpose. Art Act is a pro-people movement. We only deal in fact and truth. We’re anti-racist, non-violent and part of or allies to BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQIA2S, differently-abled, and aging communities. We speak up to protect the vulnerable and stand up to any form of hate or violence. We’re especially protective of children, teens, and young adults, including preserving the Right to Read, growing gender equality and rights, and solving the climate crisis. We love teachers, librarians, and publishing professionals who come to the aid of students and parents doing the work to promote these ideas and actions. We also love students and parents coming to the aid of teachers, librarians, and author/illustrators. We care about animals and pets and appreciate all who act in the best interest of creatures great and small. We also advocate for small businesses and the Shop Local, Shop Small, and Just A Card movements, including supporting Indie Bookshops and creative small businesses.

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Examples & Resources:

EXAMPLES & SAMPLES:

storm row studio's 2016 General Election Art, hillary: i see you