Huge Project Has Artists Address "Democracy in America"

A Guide to Democracy in America by Creatuive Time gathers more than 100 artists, cultural critics, and activists to reflect on the historical roots and current manifestations of democracy in the United States. This essential document includes: writing and artwork by Liam Gillick, Sharon Hayes, Jenny Holzer, Emily Jacir, Matt Keegan, Jon Kessler, Rodney McMillian & Olga Koumoundouros, Paul Ramírez Jonas, Steve Powers, Mark Tribe, and many others; comprehensive essays by Yates McKee, Doug Ashford of Group Material, and Nato Thompson; and interviews with Critical Art Ensemble’s Steve Kurtz, Rene Gabri & Ayreen Anastas, and Trevor Plagen; as well as a series town hall–style conversations with artists and activists from five cities across the country. The project web site has links to videos of the speakers, do-it-yourself protest song web site and mobile projects.

Culture Isn't On the Debate Agenda

From the L.A. Times:

If history is any guide, we can say one thing for certain about the 2008 presidential debates, which are expected to get underway tonight in a televised performance at the University of Mississippi. There will be no discussion -- none at all -- of U.S. cultural policy. Read the full story.

"Art Against War" - monthly concerts in Chicago

Join "Art Against War"

Saturday, September 20 - 9pm to Midnight at
The Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Avenue.

Tickets $5 at the door to benefit The Heartland Alliance's Refugee and Immigrant Community Services Program.

This concert series continues monthly, every third Friday or Saturday until the war ends.

"GoTellMama!" is the name of the web site created by visual artist Ray Noland. It is "an artist run and operated independent political art campaign in support of Barack Obama."

From the web site: "In November 2006, a hopeful new kind of politician began to make waves in the field of candidates running for the 2008 presidential election. Inspired by Barack Obama's fresh take and non-traditional bi-partisan approach, Creative Rescue Organization decided to initiate an independent political propaganda campaign in support of Senator Obama. On the road to the Whitehouse, this atypical candidate would require a fresh approach. Therefore, unsatisfied with how the political machine usually dictates a campaign, CRO set out to redefine how it should be done. And so was born a series of posters and videos that harness the power of the internet and technology bringing meaningful, thought-provoking imagery to the stale and stiff political scene. Gotellmama.org is now the central hub for all content created for the CRO mission of delivering Obama's candidacy to the people. Here you can find a series of posters designed for street-level promotion. You can also view several animated videos created for broadcast on YouTube."