Voices and Votes
As part of our thematic initiative exploring civics and democracy, Indiana Humanities is sponsoring a tour of the Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes: Democracy in America exhibition.
In 2026, six Indiana communities will host the exhibit for six weeks each and receive extensive training, funding and other resources from the expert staffs of the Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities. Each of the hosts will also curate a unique section of the exhibit that explores their community story of civic engagement.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. The Museum on Main Street program works with rural communities to design and host high-quality exhibits and create dynamic public programs across the United States. Voices and Votes is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
Program Details
About the Exhibition
When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence, they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans:
- Who has the right to vote?
- What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?
- Whose voices will be heard?
- How do you participate as a citizen?
- How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision. From revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story – the story of democracy in America.
2026-2027 Tour Dates
Site 1: March 28, 2026 – May 10, 2026
Site 2: May 16, 2026 – June 28, 2026
Site 3: July 4, 2026 – August 16, 2026
Site 4: August 22, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Site 5: October 10, 2026 – November 22, 2026
Site 6: November 28, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Eligibility and Requirements
The opportunity to host Voices and Votes is open to any tax-exempt organization in Indiana, including museums, libraries, civic organizations, local governments or schools. Host organizations must be located in towns of 10,000 or fewer residents. Host venues must be open at least 30 hours a week during the exhibit, including hours on the weekend, and be able to provide a secure exhibition space with at least 650-700 square feet, 8-foot-tall ceilings, and electrical outlets to host the exhibition.
For more information, review the FAQs.
The six sites selected to host the exhibit will receive:
- Free rental of Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes exhibit
- Exhibit support manual, program guide and curriculum materials
- Assistance in exhibition and program planning from Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities team members, as well as consultants
- Monthly virtual convenings providing support in programming, exhibition development, fundraising, communications and more
- Publicity materials such as posters, brochures, a media kit, etc.
- $2,000 in funding from Indiana Humanities to develop the local companion exhibit, programs, and promotion
The six sites selected to host the exhibit agree to:
- Assign a project director for the exhibit who will attend two statewide planning meetings and coordinate the project from beginning to end
- Implement publicity in your local community and region in coordination with Indiana Humanities
- Produce a local companion exhibit and host at least three public humanities programs related to the exhibit themes
- Host a grand opening/ribbon cutting and invite public officials, media, legislators and others
- Provide a final budget and cost share report tracking all staff and volunteer time, facility expenses and other donated resources
- Provide a secure, dry space to store empty exhibit crates for the duration of the exhibition
How to Apply
To apply to host Voices and Votes please fill out the application form via Foundant by January 31, 2025.
Read the online application instructions.
Finalists to host the exhibit may be contacted in February of 2025 for an interview. All applicants will be notified of the final decision by the end of March 2025.
Informational Webinar
Funders and Partners
- Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide
Questions?
Contact Sam Opsahl, Program Associate
sopsahl@indianahumanities.org
Resources
Review these materials to learn more about the exhibit and requirements for hosting in your community.