I Want a President…(a collective reading – DC) is a public art project encouraging a radical rethinking of political possibilities within and beyond the electoral system. The reading brings together a text originally written by artist and activist Zoe Leonard in response to the AIDS crisis and identity politics, with a collectively authored adaptation that reflects the urgencies of today. This updated text was developed through a series of community-based writing workshops across DC and NY. Co-organized by Natalie Campbell & Saisha Grayson, carrying forward an initiative started by Swedish artists Malin Arnell, Kajsa Dahlberg, Johanna Gustavsson and Fia-Stina Sandlund in 2010, the DC iteration will gather “those who desire something better” to read in unison, in front of the White House, for one hour from this archive of political desires. To learn more about the project and our growing list of community partners, visit: www.iwantapresidentdc.com

Saisha Grayson is an independent curator, writer, art historian and teacher focused on contemporary art, intersectional feminist politics, and cultural activism. Previously Assistant Curator for the Brooklyn Museum’s Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, she is currently finishing her PhD as a Smithsonian American Art Museum Fellow.

Natalie Campbell is an independent curator active in DC and New York, with recent and forthcoming exhibitions at venues including the American University Museum (Washington DC), the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design (Asheville NC), and Smack Mellon (Brooklyn, NY).

Saisha Grayson

Curator; Writer; Art Historian; Educator

New York City, USA

Natalie Campbell

Curator

New York City, USA