BALTIMORE — Today, Common Cause announced Jennifer Frederick of Baltimore, MD, 25, as a second-place winner in the 2021 Artivism Contest.

The competition was designed by the Common Cause Student Action Alliance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Common Cause and the passage of the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. In the organization’s first-ever virtual competition bridging art with activism, youth nationwide were invited to submit art that expressed their perspectives on key democracy issues.

“Our democracy is strongest when everyone has a voice, regardless of age, zip code, or income,” said Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause. “The 2021 Artivism winners represent the creativity of the next generation that’s working to build a more vibrant and inclusive democracy. Common Cause will continue working with youth advocates to champion the changes needed to ensure young people can have a say in the decisions impacting their futures.”

The Artivism Contest invited youth ages 14-28 to raise their voices on any set of nine democracy issues, including access to voting, campaign finance reform, fighting against gerrymandering, and more. Contest winners’ art will be featured in the Common Cause Shop on select apparel and merchandise. Winners also receive cash prizes, with $1,500 for first place, $800 for second place, and $600 for third place.

Frederick’s artwork was submitted in the Free Speech & Freedom to Protest category.

“I chose this issue area because we have seen mass protests since the pandemic started, many of which still appear even under the new administration. This is especially true in the light of the ongoing fight for racial justice and reproductive justice,” Frederick said. “My piece represents protesting during a pandemic and how that is integral to viewing these protests now that we have lost hundreds of thousands of people in this country alone and still have to fight for our rights and our neighbors rights every day. I hope people will take away from it that people will push for change no matter the circumstances.”

Frederick submitted a collage of a Black Lady Liberty figure wearing a mask because of the pandemic. The piece was one of three winners in the 24–28-year-old age group. Frederick is one of seven winners representing seven cities from California to Washington, D.C. Submissions were due September 30 and voting, open to all, took place every day from October 1 through November 2.

“We thank everyone who participated for bringing their unique perspectives and creativity to the 2021 Artivism Contest,” said Alyssa Canty, director of youth programs at Common Cause. “We look forward to working with the winners to showcase their art and help inspire more youth to make their voices heard for a democracy that is inclusive of every voice.”

To see the full list of 2021 Artivism Contest Winners and their artwork, click here.

To shop apparel and merchandise featuring the 2021 Artivism Contest Winners, click here.