“By voting on The People’s Money, New Yorkers are not just selecting projects; they are participating in a shared vision for our city’s future.”

In the heart of New York City, a vibrant revolution is unfolding. Sunshine-yellow “Sunnies,” small clay sculptures adorned with bright red hearts, are emerging across our beloved city. These figures are not merely art installations; they are symbols of democratic engagement, urging New Yorkers aged 11 and up to participate in “The People’s Money,” our citywide participatory budgeting initiative. The deadline to vote is June 12.

As The People’s Artist at the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC), I envision these Sunnies as more than mere decorations. They are emissaries of hope and reminders of the power of collective action. Each Sunny, crafted with care by immigrant female heads-of-household, embodies the inclusivity and diversity that are the lifeblood of our democracy.

Citywide participatory budgeting, born from a local referendum in 2018, empowers residents to propose and vote on projects that will enrich their communities. This democratic process is a celebration of grassroots involvement, where every voice, regardless of age or immigration status, can make a difference. Strategically placed in schools, parks, libraries, and community centers, the Sunnies invite every New Yorker to engage in this communal endeavor.

Art, at its core, mirrors our society’s values, struggles, and dreams. The Sunnies, with their heart-forward design, represent a vision of empathy and optimism. They encourage us to imagine a future where community needs are met through shared decision-making and mutual respect. By employing and empowering immigrant women to create these figures, we reinforce the message of inclusivity and equity. Each Sunny stands as a testament to the belief that democracy flourishes when it is participatory and inclusive.

The People’s Money initiative exemplifies how art can seamlessly blend with civic processes. These sunshine sentinels are not just charming sculptures; they are tools of engagement, fostering a culture of active participation. In a city renowned for its diversity and dynamism, the Sunnies remind us that democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands the involvement of all citizens, from young teenagers to elders, in shaping the future of their communities.

These Sunnies draw inspiration from beloved New York artworks, such as Tom Otterness’ whimsical sculptures in the subway station at 14th Street and Eighth Avenue. Such public art enriches our urban landscape and invites us to interact with our environment in meaningful ways. Similarly, the Sunnies transform everyday spaces into arenas of democratic action, bridging the gap between art and civic duty.

In a time when civic engagement often seems overshadowed by political polarization and apathy, the Sunnies offer a hopeful counterpoint. They are a visual and tangible reminder that every individual’s voice and vote are vital in the democratic process. By voting on The People’s Money, New Yorkers are not just selecting projects; they are participating in a shared vision for our city’s future.

As the Sunnies continue to appear in new and unexpected locations across New York City, they inspire a sense of community and shared purpose. They invite every resident to join in a democratic journey where care, optimism, and heartfelt action light the way. Through these sunny sentinels, we witness the profound power of art to support and sustain a thriving democracy, one Sunny at a time.

Join us. Embrace participatory democracy. Let the Sunnies guide us towards a future where optimism and heartfelt action define our collective path forward.

Yazmany Arboleda is New York City’s inaugural People’s Artist at the Civic Engagement Commission.