The RISD Museum is proud to participate in this non-partisan initiative of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), which uses design to encourage civic engagement. Every four years since 2000, the AIGA has asked its members to create posters to get out the vote through its program Design for Democracy.
This year’s campaign includes a set of posters recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which gave some American women the right to vote. While the 19th Amendment was an important milestone, it was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all American women’s right to vote was protected, and yet voter suppression continues today.
This initiative’s organizers—Kelly Salchow MacArthur (RISD MFA 2003, Graphic Design), Nancy Skolos (RISD faculty, Graphic Design), and Frances Yllana (AIGA, Design for Democracy)—chose the title “Empowering the Women’s Vote,” recognizing “the complications and inequities that plagued women’s suffrage.” See their complete introduction to the project, a timeline on the fight for voting rights, and many of the posters in the catalogue. This initiative is cosponsored by the League of Women Voters, which is celebrating its 100th year “of ensuring democracy works for the people, by the people, all the people.” For information about what is on the ballot in your area, visit their website VOTE411.org.
A small selection of posters is currently on view in the RISD Museum’s Chace Lobby, and all are available for download, printing, and distribution at AIGA Get Out the Vote: Empowering the Women’s Vote.