The Democratic National Convention is August 25-28, in Denver, Colorado, and the Republican National Convention is September 1-4, in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thanks to an article in the New York Times, there's some national PR about different art that's happening around the conventions. You can read "Your (Nonpartisan) Message Here," by Julie Bloom (published on August 15, 2008). Here's the blurb for the article, "For the coming political conventions, Minneapolis and Denver, the host cities, have urged artists to make works that address the political process."
If you are going to be in Denver or Minneapolis, during the conventions, you should read her article.
If you don't have time to read her article, or aren't going to be in the area, here are a few quick links for you to check out:
"My Yard Our Message is a user-created yard sign project, launched in conjunction with the United States presidential election," sponsored by The Walker Art Center. Read more.
"The UnConvention is a non-partisan collective of citizens who have come together to create a forum in which to promote the democratic and free exchange of ideas on important issues. It exists as a counterpoint to the highly scripted and predetermined nature of the contemporary presidential nomination process and convention," also sponsored by The Walker Art Center.
Part of their mission is "To umbrella the myriad artistic and educational activities (exhibitions, lectures, performances, etc.) that will take place in the Twin Cities during the lead-up and staging of the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota." Check out their Projects Page.
I'm more interested in what's going on in Visual Art, than performance art. I do have to say that I am very much looking forward to the performance art I'll see by Jon Stewart, and my hero Stephen Colbert, on Comedy Central during both conventions!
