“Demand the changes we need” – Art to the Polls enlists creatives’ help to get young people voting

If you’re in the UK, you might have already spotted these artworks on billboards across the country, shared on social media or even on the Glastonbury big screens, ahead of the country’s general election on 4 July. They’re part of the Art to the Polls campaign, put together by Upvote and the Give An X coalition – an initiative to encourage young voter turnout – bringing together leading artists and designers to inspire young people to take part in tomorrow’s election. Renowned creatives including Anthony Burrill, Anish Kapoor, Michael Craig-Martin, Joy Yamusangie, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Jon Burgerman, and Craig & Karl have all donated artworks for free, hoping to spread the message.

The initiative is focused on young voters because in the last general election in 2019, only 47 per cent of 18-25-year-olds voted, versus over 80 per cent of pensioners. “This difference is far greater in Britain than in most other democracies,” reads a release from the campaign. “This isn’t just a long-term problem for democracy. If young people don’t vote, the things they care about don’t matter to politicians.”

Artworks range from a symbolic ‘X’ in various forms, by artists such as Chris Ofili, Rana Begum and Ken Nwadiogbu, to provocative written statements from Kapoor and Burrill, via uncanny and funny characterful creations by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley and Jon Burgerman.

Anish Kapoor said in a statement: “At a time where young people face immense challenges like the climate crisis and rising living costs, it’s more important than ever that they don’t disengage from democracy.

“Voting is a way to make our voices heard and demand the changes we need. It’s only when we understand the fragility and the power of democracy that we feel a responsibility to take action to sustain it. That’s why many of us are contributing to this project: to inspire that feeling in young people.”

Anthony Burrill added: “​​We are desperate for change. A change in direction and thinking. A change in how the world works in favour of freedom and peace. Change is the only constant and change can be challenging. What we need now more than ever before is positive change that shapes society into a fairer place where everyone can grow, prosper and fulfil their potential.”

The list of supporting artists is: Anish Kapoor, Gavin Turk, Chris Ofili, Michael Craig-Martin, Rana Begum, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Violeta Sofia, Anthony Burrill, Raafaye Ali Sheikh, Craig and Karl, Annie Frost Nicholson, Axel Scheffler, Jon Burgerman, Thomas J Price, Ken Nwadiogbu, Godfried Donkor and Joy Yamusangie. Arts non-profit platform Amplifier has also contributed a range of artworks by the following artists: Carolyn Suzuki, Raychelle Duazo, Victoria Garcia, Gillian Dreher, Fara Di Noto, Shannon Finnegan, Jennifer Bloomer, Katy Galvin, Kayla Jones, Lakisha Harper, Lauren Simkin Berke, Puno Puno, Sarah Epperson, Mer Young, Holy Moly UK and Laci Jordan.

The UK general election will be held tomorrow 4 July – so get out and vote!