Today is the International Day of Democracy, established in 2007 by the United Nations. In observance,  the USF Contemporary Art Museum (part of the Institute for Research in Art in the College of The Arts) is launching  SOS ColorCode 2020, an exterior installation of three flags created by Chicago-based artists and designers Luftwerk and Normal.

The flag delivers both a call for help and the hope for rescue. Using the universal language of Morse code and color theory, SOS Color Code 2020 transforms the international symbol of distress — S (three  dots) O (three dashes) S (three dots) — into a sign of solidarity and connectedness for humanity. SOS Color Code 2020 will remain on view at multiple locations around the US through Election Day, November 3, reminding us of US Representative John Lewis’ call to action: “Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we call the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”

If you like, you can make your own version of the flags. The project includes a free print-at-home poster (see below), available as a color or do-it-yourself black & white download, that also includes a QR code that directs viewers to HowtoVote, a non-partisan voter registration guide.