During the final month of the 2012 US election cycle, Provisions Library assembled four artist-researchers in Washington, D.C., to explore themes of deliberative democracy, electoral politics, public transparency, and citizenship through creative projects. The election featured a suspenseful contest between Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, highlighted by intense debates and significant public discourse. The city of D.C. became a backdrop for protests and discussions about money’s influence in politics, as record funds poured into the election. The research fellows created various projects reflecting on these themes, including a Ladder of Participation, a DC SuperPac for voting rights, and an exploration of the District’s historical boundaries. Obama won reelection, but the season underscored the capital’s lack of representation and the increasing impact of money in politics.
VOL2. REPUBLIC: REVIVING POPULAR POLITICS
