MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Mt. Vernon Arts & Cultural Society, in partnership with the Mount Vernon Public Library, is calling on emerging and experienced artists to use their creativity to explore voting, democracy, representation, and the power of the individual voice through a new community exhibition, “The Art of Voting Challenge.” The organization’s official submission form describes the project as an opportunity for artists to submit work examining the relationship between art, civic participation and democracy.
The exhibition invites artists to consider what voting means to them and their community, including the history and sacrifices connected to voting rights, the meaning of political representation, and the ways art can encourage civic education and public participation.
Artists are encouraged to approach the theme through their own experiences and perspectives, asking questions such as: Why does your vote matter? What does democracy look like through your eyes? What struggles made access to the ballot possible? And what hopes do you have for the future?
The challenge is open to a variety of artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, mixed media and collage, as well as original poetry and spoken-word work centered on voting, democracy, equality, freedom, civic participation and the power of the people.
The Mt. Vernon Arts & Cultural Society has long described art as a vehicle for raising awareness, breaking down barriers and creating positive social and community change. The organization has previously presented exhibitions and cultural programming at the Mount Vernon Public Library and throughout the city.
According to the official artist submission form, participating visual artists may submit up to five works, with one potentially selected for the exhibition. Selected artists are scheduled to be notified by October 6, 2026, with artwork drop-off taking place October 7 through October 15. Selected artwork is scheduled to be publicly displayed at the Mount Vernon Public Library from October 16 through November 13, 2026.
The organizers’ message behind the project is simple: your voice matters, your creativity matters, and your participation in the democratic process matters.
Artists interested in participating can complete the official submission form here: The Art of Voting Challenge Artist Submission Form. Additional information is available from the Mt. Vernon Arts & Cultural Society at mvac.inc@gmail.com.
“Let your art speak. Let your voice be heard. Let your vote count.”
