Is all art political? Artists and community volunteers who launched Art the Vote (ATV) in May, including Graduate School of Art alum Bunny Burson, certainly think so. ATV is a nonpartisan, arts-driven effort to engage, register and mobilize young voters and the creative community in the political process prior to the November elections. Motivated by the desire to inspire change or action, elevate the importance of voting and participation in democracy, ATV will use the work of contemporary artists to highlight the critical issues facing our state, nation and planet.

Seven nationally renowned artists, including three from Missouri, have been engaged to create new work that engages and persuades the public. These will be produced on more than 70 billboards along major highways and in cities across Missouri from September 1 to October 31, 2008.

Participating artists include Sam Fox School faculty member Tom Huck, Peregrine Honig and May Tveit, all from Missouri. Martha Rosler, Willie Cole, Mark Newport and Annette Lemieux are also contributing artwork.

For more information visit www.artthevote.com