Your Midterm Guide to Voting for the Arts

Daily Newsletter

We rounded up key races and where candidates stand on culture funding, AI, and more.

Happy Election Day. Today, voters across the country are casting their ballots on races that could not only impact the balance of power in Congress, but also decide the future of democracy in the United States. If you’re an artist or cultural worker, there are several key states to watch, where issues including arts funding, artistic freedom and censorship, and the incursion of AI on creative professions are now at stake. We compiled a dedicated Midterm Election Guide highlighting House, Senate, and Gubernatorial races that may prove decisive for arts and culture, especially as Trump and his allies ramp up their attacks on history, heritage, and diverse communities.

But as we’ve always emphasized here at Hyperallergic, the policies that most benefit artists are also what benefit the majority: affordable healthcare and housing, a better education, the right to speech and expression. Candidates including Claire Valdez in New York and Jonathan Nez in Arizona have voiced that very sentiment in interviews with us as part of our robust coverage ahead of the Midterms over the last six months — we’re re-sharing many of those articles below.

One last note: We’re only able to produce our in-depth, unbiased reporting because we are completely independent, not beholden to donors or investors. Please consider supporting us as a member so we can continue this work. And, should you feel so inspired, we love seeing your “I Voted” selfies … 🙂

GET OUT THERE!!!

—Valentina Di Liscia, senior editor

A Midterm Election Guide for Artists and Arts Workers

Midterms are tomorrow, marking the first nationwide election since President Donald Trump started his second term in the Oval Office. In the wake of Trump’s financial and ideological crackdowns on Smithsonian, unapproved pet projects around the US Capitol, devastation to cultural landscapes through border construction, and dozens of other policies targeting history and heritage, many will be lining up at the polls with arts and culture policies on their minds.

Because Congress ultimately decides appropriations for federal arts entities, such as the National Endowment for the Arts, control of the House and Senate is incredibly important for the cultural sector. | Valentina Di Liscia, Phillip Pyle, Anna Lee, and Rhea Nayyar

Barbara Takenaga’s ‘Awestruck’

At Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 40 paintings invite viewers into an exhibition where scale, pattern, and perception are explored and celebrated.

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Midterms Coverage

Claire Valdez moved to New York in 2015 to pursue a career as an artist. (photo Kara McCurdy Photography, courtesy Claire Valdez for Congress)

Jonathan Nez on Indigenous Perseverance

The former Navajo Nation president running for Congress in Arizona speaks to Hyperallergic about his upbringing, how Diné culture shapes his political thinking, and the importance of historical memory. | Valentina Di Liscia

Studying Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute

Where critical thinking meets contemporary practice across key art world capitals.

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News

From Our Critics

Applications are Open for the Core Residency Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Join a cohort of artists and writers committed to developing a sustainable practice. Applications for the 2027–29 Core term are due January 8, 2027.

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Guides

Opportunities This Month

Residencies, fellowships, grants, and open calls from Baton Rouge Gallery, Columbia University, MFA Houston, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and more in our monthly list of opportunities for artists, writers, and art workers.