Prominent American artists and photographers have teamed up to feature in the flash fundraiser States of Change, a 5-day print sale that is raising proceeds to support local organizations that fight voter suppression. The focus of the States of Change sale is on 5 crucial swing states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Florida.
With election day in the United States fast approaching, many are feeling the anticipation of two very polarized results for the country’s political future. The 2020 Presidential election will indubitably affect the lives of many, making it likely the most important election of this generation. Many public figures have come forward to voice their support for candidates, encouraging their followers to get involved in local and national politics. American artists are among these public figures using their platforms to raise money and awareness for the upcoming election.
The States of Change sale will only be open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
States Of Change Print Sale
The States of Change sale will run until October 18th and feature prints from over 150 distinguished photographers and artists, including Cindy Sherman, Ed Ruscha, Nan Goldin, Kim Gordon, Dawoud Bey, Catherine Opie, Sally Mann, Gordon Parks and Mario Sorrenti, among others. Each print will be 10 x 12 inches and priced at $150 (excluding shipping).
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Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterThe proceeds of States of Change sale will go to benefit 42 local, community-based organizations that work to combat voter suppression in the 5 swing states mentioned above, which will be integral in deciding the results of the 2020 U.S. election. The full list of organizations can be found here.
Inspiration for States of Change came from the Pictures for Elmhurst project, a fundraiser launched in April. The sale featured work from over 100 New York photographers, each selling prints for $150 each. Its proceeds went towards supporting the Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, one of the busiest treatment centers of COVID-19. It was struggling to stay afloat with the surge of new cases earlier this year. The fundraiser earned $1,380,000 for Elmhurst Hospital.
“We’ve all felt a growing concern about the state of democracy in this country for some time now. At a certain point in the leadup to this election that feeling reached a boiling point, and we felt that we had to make ourselves useful with the resources we have,” the States of Change sale organizers said according to Artnet News, “[We’re] so proud of what we’ve built and thrilled to be offering a way to acquire unbelievable artworks while giving much-needed support to grassroots organizations at the same time.”
Parters Against Voter Suppression
The States of Change sale was initially created by “a small group of artists and friends trying to make a difference.” Included in this roster are Mitchell Barton, Matthew Booth, Alice Braccini, Trevor Clement, Jim Goldberg, Gregory Halpern, Alessandra Sanguinetti and Korey Vincent. This group has partnered with the Movement Voter Project to identify the 42 local organizations that needed support in fighting voter suppression.
The Movement Voter Project is an organization that “works to strengthen progressive power at all levels of government by helping donors – big and small – support the best and most promising local community-based organizations in key states, with a focus on youth and communities of color.” Their work focuses on the empowerment of donors to progressive foundations, redirecting resources towards groups that represent communities of color, LGBTQ voters, rural voters, low-income voters, working-class voters, elderly voters, voters with disabilities, non-native English speakers, new/young voters and others who may need additional support.
