"Democracy Day: Art and Democracy in American History" featured exhibition tours by artists, conversations with scholars and artists about the relationship between art and democracy in America, and demonstrations and activities to engage museum visitors. The conversations, including “Revolutionary Questions at 250," "Artist Advocates for Democracy," and "Storytelling and Connection" explored different ways that art informs and shapes democracy and democratic culture by helping audiences engage with one another, with shared values and principles, and with the world.

“Democracy Day: Art and Democracy in American History,” was hosted by the National Museum of American History, the University of Virginia's Karsh Institute of Democracy, and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies.

Panel #1: Revolutionary Questions at 250

The United States has inspired the world with ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. But how have the ideals of the Declaration spurred change, resistance, and shifting directions across 250 years? The National Museum of American History's Megan Howell Smith, Barbara Clark Smith, Benjamin Filene, Christopher W. Wilson, and Theo Gonzalves reflect on the Declaration as a living document—its past, present, and future.

Panel #2: Artist Advocates for Democracy

Art Diplomacy for Equality

The U.S. Department of State's Office of Art in Embassies showcases how art is our best asset for diplomacy. United States Ambassador to Portugal Randi Charno Levine and artists Sanford Biggers, Deborah Kass, Hank Willis Thomas, and Deborah Willis talked about how U.S. Embassy Lisbon is employing arts as a key tool in the diplomatic process. 

Arts and Human Rights

United States Ambassador and permanent representative to the UN Human Rights Council Michèle Taylor, artist Alexis Rockman, former White House art advocate Kal Penn, and Ambassador Chantale Wong discussed how conversations around art foster cross-cultural connections through the lens of human rights.

Award-winning veteran broadcast journalist Cynthia Steele Vance introduced both panels.

Panel #3: Storytelling and Connection

Storytelling and art are powerful tools to encourage civic action and strengthen democratic culture. Actor Alfre Woodard, artist Hank Willis Thomas, independent filmmaker Paul Wagner, and Melody Barnes, executive director of the University of Virginia's Karsh Institute of Democracy, came together to explore how art helps us engage with one another, and how storytelling can build connection.