manifest hope

August 11, 2008

The “Yes We Can” video by will.i.am. The 1000+ positive Obama ads created by MoveOn members. The iconic Obama “HOPE” poster created by artist Shepard Fairey.

Barack Obama’s historic candidacy has sparked an unprecedented artistic outpouring. Now, in partnership with Shepard Fairey and his Obey Giant collective, we’re offering a new way for artists—anyone with a pen and paper qualifies—to share their talents and help elect Barack Obama at the same time.

It’s called Manifest Hope, and it’s a new Obama art contest for 2D and 3D art, from painting to photography to sculpture. The winners will be shown at the Manifest Hope Gallery online and in Denver during the Democratic convention alongside works from dozens of established and influential artists.

If you think you might want to enter, or want updates on the contest, please click here:

Anyone can enter. You don’t have to be Picasso, you just need to be inspired by Barack Obama and willing to donate your creativity and time to the cause.

But you need to get started soon. The final submissions deadline is August 18th at 11:59 a.m. ET. That’s not much time to conceive and create a piece of art, so get started today.

All submissions will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges—artists from Obey Giant, contemporary art curators, and multi-talented musicians. Finalists will be asked to auction off their pieces, and donate the proceeds to progressive organizations.

Wednesday, August 26th at 9pm, Manifest Hope will celebrate with partner Unconventional ‘08, musical performances on an outdoor stage to feature artists such as: Nada Surf, Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids and DJ Z Trip. There will be a special invite only VIP performance that will an all star indie group, that will include members from the following bands: Frontman Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, Jenny Lewis, lead singer of Rilo Kiley, and actress Zooey Deschanel from She and Him, singer/songwriter Jonathan Rice with other special surprise guests!

P.S. It’s okay to enter a piece of art you’ve already created, as long as you’re willing to offer it up for auction if it becomes a finalist. If you’re ready to enter right now, you can upload your entry here!

For more information please visit www.manifesthope.com

Collaborative Effort by OBEY, SNO, Subliminal Projects, Upper Playground, MoveOn.org and many more