When Americans overestimate the threat posed by people in the other major political party, the consequences can be dangerous. Research shows it fuels support for candidates who prefer fighting over legislating, increases tendencies toward authoritarianism, normalizes the use of disinformation and misinformation, and even raises tolerance for breaking democratic norms or resorting to political violence. 

An initiative called Arts for America is trying a new approach to counter this problem and improve the health of our democracy. Beginning this fall, the program will bring together college students to create artistic projects that present fellow Americans in a fuller and more accurate light. Applications are open through September 14 for the first six-week online workshop, which starts the week of October 6.

The program accepts all kinds of creative work, from film and music to painting, performance, social media, and even video games. Participants will learn the CAST framework (Complex, Admirable, Similar, Together), which encourages more balanced portrayals of people across political divides.

“The arts reach people in ways facts and arguments cannot,” said James Coan, co-founder and executive director of More Like US, which runs the workshop. 

By training young creators to tell more accurate stories about their fellow Americans, we can begin to replace fear and stereotypes with connection and understanding.”

The inaugural cohort will be small, about eight students, with projects featured on Arts for America’s Instagram and other public platforms. Organizers hope the workshop can help inspire a generation of creators who will bring more nuance and empathy to how Americans are represented in culture and media.

More Like US is a member of the following coalitions: Braver Network, Democracy Communications Collaborative, Impact Guild, and ListenFirst Coalition, along with the civics coalitions CivXNow Coalition, Maryland Civic Education Coalition, and PACivics.