Salon No. 9, Shaping Elections

As we approach another high-stakes Election Day, many people have asked; Is our system broken? Can it survive the force-of-will imposed by a determined autocrat? Our upcoming roundtable at Salon No. 9 will explore the delicate art of democratic elections in the modern era. The evenings' distinguished guests are a mix of artists and election professionals who have worked at home and abroad to increase voter participation, help young democracies carry out their first elections, and explore new paths for democratic nations to better cope with their changing demographics. As the United States stumbles into its next presidential election, it is more important than ever to examine how our electoral system is serving the nation, and how we can fix it for future generations.

​Please join The Artists' Sanctum tonight, Monday, October 5th, at 5 PM ET, for an interactive exploration of electoral systems. In our usual community forum, we will close the evening with a lively discussion with our roundtable participants and their work improving elections for the future.

This Event is free and open to the public.

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About our Speakers:

​Ann Lewis is a Detroit-based multidisciplinary artist who uses public space and participatory performances to respond to current social and political issues. As an interdisciplinary activist artist, she incorporates painting, installation, sculpture, and participatory means to explore themes related to American identity, power structures, and justice. Ann's work often includes repetition through graphic elements, and a limited color palette while conveying messages around intersectional social justice issues such as gentrification, women's rights, and police brutality. Her work is informed by engaging affected communities and reflects relevant scientific data through the intuitive use of concept-specific materials. annlew.is 

Philippa Neave is a Communications, Public Outreach, and Media expert with 15 years of experience in electoral technical assistance, largely with the United Nations, in a wide variety of countries. A former journalist and Arabic speaker, she has in-depth experience in the region. She has developed, planned, and overseen the implementation of civic education and information campaigns including the design of print, audio, video, and online communication tools. She has conceived and implemented media training programs and supported election commissions, ministries, and other organizations in their Strategic Communications. She conceived and produced the tri-lingual Arabic, English, French Lexicon of ElectoralTerminology. She is the Senior Lead of Project 21, a cutting-edge civic education initiative. Ted Talk

George Zisiadis leads coordination at of by for, an organization working to get beyond parties and politicians and put everyday people front and center. They are advancing a new vision for democracy that replaces partisan elections with democratic lotteries. Prior to of by for, he worked as an artist and designer re-imaging public spaces in ways that moved people of all ages and backgrounds. In 2018, he set aside his art practice to dedicate himself to the study of social movements from past to present. www.joinofbyfor.us