While the U.S. Declaration of Independence famously proclaims that “all men are created equal,” the reality is that not all voters arrive at the polls equally informed or prepared. Civic engagement isn’t a topic that everyone has had access to, even those of us who genuinely want to participate. Some of us, this author included, struggle to navigate the complexities of politics, decipher ever-evolving jargon, and stay engaged when the sheer volume of information becomes overwhelming. Some might argue that our political and legal systems are so unnecessarily complicated that they discourage people from exercising their right to vote. Or perhaps yours truly simply struggles with executive functioning and decision-making. Two things can be true at once.
Whatever the reason, civic engagement shouldn't feel like an impossible task. This article aims to demystify civic engagement and explore practical, accessible ways to make it part of our everyday lives. I recently spoke with Morgan Furnari, the Arts Action Fund Manager with Americans for the Arts who shared the organization’s intent to make sure that the public feels educated and prepared to vote:
“We’re trying to make [civic engagement, voting] feel like a part of everyday life, rather than a special thing that we have to remember to do every two years. How do we make voting and civic engagement part of our day-to-day life? As artists and arts organizations, we are incorporating the arts into our efforts” says Furnari.
What is Americans for the Arts?
Americans for the Arts (aka AFTA) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization whose mission it is to advance the people, organizations, and systems supporting arts and culture across America through advocacy, research, and national convening.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, they are allowed to amplify specific legislation by stating their position to a legislator or the legislator’s policy staff. This is known as lobbying. However, they may not publicly support or oppose certain political candidates; they must remain nonpartisan.
What is the Arts Action Fund?
The Arts Action Fund is the 501(c)4 arm of Americans for the Arts. A 501(c)4 is a U.S. nonprofit organization operated primarily to promote social welfare, such as civic leagues or community advocacy groups, and it may engage in substantial lobbying and limited political activity.
The mission of the Arts Action Fund is “to enlist and mobilize the largest grassroots arts advocacy network in America to help advance the arts on both the electoral and legislative landscapes to promote more vibrant and livable communities throughout the country. The Arts Action Fund’s goal is to enlist at least one million citizen arts advocates that will help ensure arts-friendly public policies are adopted. There is no financial barrier to becoming a member as arts advocates can join for free or contribute.”
As a 501(c)4, they may engage in political and electoral activities as long as it doesn’t exceed 49.9% of their total time and budget.
What is the Get Out the Vote Campaign?
ArtsVote is the national voter engagement campaign designed to educate, register, and mobilize arts and culture voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, led by Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund.
“It is a movement to make sure that people feel ready and educated to then go and vote” says Furnari.
While the information provided is designed to assist arts organizations, it can be utilized by individuals as well. I’ve certainly learned a lot by reviewing the two websites which thoroughly provide data and tools.
The ArtsVote.org website provides a Tool Kit for organizations, and individuals, to create and/or join a community of civic minded artists. Additionally, the ArtsActionFund.org/ArtsVote website offers webinars and a plethora of resources designed to “Get Out the Vote,” such as a Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide, a Voter Engagement Planning Template, and a guide to Mail-in Voting, among others.
They even provide access to a Federal Candidate Survey where voters can read up on the available candidates, in their own words. The intent is to provide a non-partisan outlet for those running for office to share their plans for the arts and culture sector.
“So many organizations worry how they will put on some big event while they don’t have the funds or capacity for that, but our goal is to use what already exists. That’s a big part of how to make something last – to thread it through things that have already stood the test of time. We embed into the community, not separate from it” adds Furnari.
“How can we reach that person – someone who may be checked out or overwhelmed? What are the creative avenues to make sure that they are seeing this, and that it’s part of their everyday life?” asks Furnari. “I think art is the new way to reach people who have rejected engagement in the past.” Clarifying her point, Furnari mentioned examples of a pastry artist who used cookies as a means to encourage voting, and another of a nail technician who designed a nail set that read “A-R-T-S-V-O-T-E” across their finger nails.
She adds, “How do you continue to expand past the traditional ways of thinking about the arts and make sure that it is expanding into our current day? Who is experiencing art on a daily basis? We are exploring what it means to be a creative with ArtsVote!”
Civic engagement is key to the success of a democracy and we, as members of this democracy, have a responsibility to remain educated and engaged. Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund encourage advocacy year-round so that it becomes a habit rather than a biennial chore. They have made it their mission to make it easy to get and stay engaged.
May this article serve as your reminder to check your voter registration! ArtsVote has provided key registration dates on their website. Help them achieve their goal of increasing voter participation across the arts sector and ensure that arts and culture supporters are informed, engaged, and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
