This weekend, Creative Time, New York's prime proponent of avant-garde art and performance projects, continues the largest public art initiative in its 34-year history at the Park Avenue Armory. Democracy in America: The National Campaign takes over the historic structure for six days starting Sunday, September 21^st.

The year long project, in which the organizers traveled across the country to measure the state of democracy today as perceived by artists, activists, thinkers and citizens, culminates in New York City just in time for the run-up to the presidential election.

Commissioned work for Democracy in America's cross-country journey. Left: Rodney McMillian and Olga Koumoundouros' street performance in Austin, TX. Right: Sharon Hayes' Revolutionary Love performance in Denver, CO.

The many events taking place next week at the Armory are intended to both "reflect on and perform democracy in action," say the organizers, from Karaoke With a Message by Angel Nevarez and Valerie Tevere to an Open Rant Night which invites public participation. The program, curated by Nato Thompson, also includes displays of important historical documents that chart the evolution of democracy in America.

Some of the projects featured include giant, silvered surveillance balloons by Jon Kessler; an installation of artifacts from the 2004 FBI investigation of artist Steve Kurtz (falsely accused of bioterrorism) by Critical Art Ensemble and Institute for Applied Autonomy; a nine-foot wooden hobbyhorse sculpture by Allison Smith; Duke Riley's functional replica of America's first submarine; and speeches by the Yes Men and Karen Finley among others. All together, commissioned work by over 40 artists will fill the Drill Hall and many of the historic period rooms of the Armory.

Democracy in America: The National Campaign starts on Sunday, September 21 with an opening reception from 2:00 to 10:00 pm. It continues through Sunday September 27. Please check the Creative Time website for a schedule of daily performances and events, which are free and open to the public.