Over 1,200 artists and cultural producers have signed their name publicly to the Artists4Bernie list
Kim Gordon, M.I.A., Mykki Blanco, and Kelsey Lu are among some of the musicians who’ve signed an open letter voicing their support for Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.
The endorsement letter, hosted at Artists4Bernie.org, was created between a number of artists, art workers, and cultural professionals. It was initiated by DIS, Mohammed Salemy, and Jennifer Teets, who explained in a press statement that many of the artists involved have also been canvassing, door-knocking, phone-banking, fundraising, and organising for the Sanders campaign.
The list includes over 1,300 signatories spanning the fields of music, film, acting, design, art, and more. Prominent figures outside of music include Nan Goldin, Hari Nef, Telfar Clemens, Chloë Sevigny, and Juliana Huxtable, but there are also many art handlers, curatorial assistants, writers, and teachers of art and philosophy who’ve signed the letter.
Not all of the signatories are from the US, but the statement adds that this letter “introduces an argument about the interest of non-US citizens in an important democratic decision by American citizens, the election of the US President, which greatly impacts the entire world and not just the United States”.
The open letter itself details reasons to support Sanders, explaining that he is “the only candidate we believe can unseat Donald Trump” due to his redistributive economic platform, progressive foreign policy, and plans to combat climate change. It cites policies like Medicare for All, universal childcare, canceling student debt, and free public college, as some of the progressive changes that would benefit precariously employed artists and cultural workers.
Sanders himself is a supporter of the arts, having said: “You have my promise that as President, I will be an arts President. I will continue to advocate strongly for robust funding of the arts in our cities, schools, and public spaces. Art is speech. Art is what life is about.”
The letter is open to any artist or cultural producer to sign their name to publicly endorse Sanders for President of the United States. Read the full letter and sign your name here.
Read about Bernie Sanders’ policy platform, and find out how to volunteer or donate to his campaign.