“Creatives for Freedom” brings artists, designers, and changemakers together to defend democracy through culture
ACLU launched Creatives for Freedom, a new initiative that brings together voices from across the creative landscape — from fashion and music to literature and film — in an effort to spotlight critical threats to democracy and civil liberties.
Hosted at The Standard, East Village, the launch event brought together Gabriela Hearst, Willy Chavarria, and ACLU Artist Ambassador Padma Lakshmi for an evening that included a fireside chat with ACLU experts AJ Hikes and Cecillia Wang, along with a celebration of artists and brands using their platforms for advocacy.
“In this moment more than any other in our lifetime, what we do and what we say must be an act of protecting human dignity and our human rights,” said Chavarria. “We need to band together to prove that we are not divided.”
The campaign aims to foster collaborations with creatives across disciplines throughout 2025 — including Rufus Wainwright, Saeed Jones, Maggie Smith, Ellie Krieger, Sohla El-Waylly, and brands like LUSH Cosmetics, Ben & Jerry’s, and Catbird.
“Lawyers are using powerful tools to uphold the rule of law and vindicate individuals’ rights. But it’s the artists who are moving people and igniting change in profound and lasting ways,” said Wang. “Together, we’re not just raising awareness — we are fighting for freedom and the recognition of our shared humanity.”
The initiative aligns with other ACLU efforts, including Firewall for Freedom, to equip communities nationwide with strategies to protect reproductive rights, immigration protections, free speech, and more.
“I have been a member of ACLU since 2017. I am so proud to support a non-partisan organization that for 105 years has worked in protecting the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution,” said Hearst. “I have confidence in the creative energy that flows through artists to help the plight for freedom of speech, religion, privacy, due process, reproductive rights and equality under the law.”
Lakshmi echoed that sentiment: “As artists and creatives, the greatest power we have is our voice. Now is the time for us to use it.”
“Creative industries have the unparalleled ability to ignite conversation, fuel action, and inspire people to stand up for what matters,” said Hikes. “Today, more than ever, we need leaders and innovators to step forward and help shape the world we envision for tomorrow.”
