History has always been defined and interpreted by artists.
Artists, we need you—now. This year.
America is at a crossroads. People are tired. People are scared. They wonder if the dream we were promised still lives—or if it was only ever a story.
Artists, musicians, writers, actors, painters, dreamers—you’ve always been this nation’s soul. You’ve told us the truth when no one else would: of broken dreams and second chances, of ordinary people holding onto dignity in hard times. You have the power to move hearts, open eyes, and change what we believe is possible.
We need that power now—images and voices that reach deeper than politics.
Reclaim the Fourth of July in Our 250th Anniversary Year!
On July 4, 2026, America will stand before the world. Beyond the fireworks, will we see a democracy collapsing in fear and division—or reborn in hope and courage? That hope cannot be handed down. It must be created—by us, by you.
This year, we need art that is honest and unafraid. Art that breaks silence, confronts our failures, and dares to imagine a future rooted not in fear but in hope.
So leading up to July 4, 2026—put your truth into the world. Make something brave. Speak to our fears and sing them into compassion. Show us the America that’s still possible if we don’t give up on each other.
Because in the end, it’s not red or blue—it’s whether we can still find common ground in the dirt, sweat, and hope that built this country, and pass it on, stronger, to the next generation.
And if you answer this call, future generations may say: “When America was in danger, it was the artists who helped her refind her soul.”
How You Can Be Part of Our “We The People” Project
- Dedicate a thematic artistic creation of yours this year to a public exhibition or public event in support of democracy.
- Share your creations with us on our the Citizen Joy website, or on our Facebook or Instagram pages.
- Join our network to become part of our Citizen Joy community of support for creating art that speaks to our future as citizens of a functional democracy.
- Sign up for our monthly Zoom conversations, where we brainstorm how to grow the 'We The People' idea of creating art that supports democracy.
- Submit visual art to venues we recommend and share with us opportunities you know of. Currently recommended to you: “O Say Can You See…The Soul of Our Nation”
- Share information with us about visual and performing art events you know of, or are involved in, and about other volunteer groups we should connect to.
- Spread the word among your circles about Citizen Joy and the We The People project.