Month: February 2025

The Sanders Institute Benefit Auction

Posted on February 21, 2025

Rare Autographed Political Art & Memorabilia from Bernie Sanders’ Historic Campaigns

February 21 – March 6, 2025

Exclusive Betterworld.org Auction Showcases Iconic Music Posters from Public Enemy, The Strokes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and More—Featuring Artwork by Artists Shepard Fairey, Aaron Draplin, Kii Arens and Sir Tom Foolery

The Sanders Institute invites you to celebrate the art of a political revolution with an exclusive online auction featuring rare political memorabilia from the personal collection of The Sanders Institute founders. The auction items are from Bernie Sanders’ transformative 2016 and 2020 US presidential campaigns, campaigns for Burlington mayor and 1986 campaign for Governor. These items capture the cultural impact of Sanders’ movement and its enduring legacy of hope, equality, and grassroots power. 

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: ICONIC ITEMS & THEIR STORIES

Saturday Night Live Cue Cards: Bernie and Larry David

  • Event: Saturday Night Live broadcast, February 6, 2016
  • Significance: A historic moment where Bernie Sanders appeared alongside Larry David, who famously parodied him during the primaries. This collectible provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a night that brought politics and comedy together.

“Fight The Power” Concert Poster by Kii Arens

  • Event: Bernie Sanders rally in Los Angeles featuring Public Enemy, March 1, 2020
  • Significance: Signed by Bernie Sanders, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Sarah Silverman, and Dick Van Dyke, who spoke at the event. It is a striking poster that embodies the fusion of music and activism.

Red Hot Chili Peppers for Bernie Poster by Shepard Fairey

  • Event: Bernie Sanders rally featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers, February 5, 2016
  • Significance: This numbered print by Shepard Fairey, signed by Bernie Sanders and all four members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the artist, is an iconic piece from a historic campaign event.

The Strokes for Bernie Sanders Concert Poster by Kii Arens

  • Event: Rally in Durham, New Hampshire, April 10, 2020
  • Significance: Signed by Bernie Sanders, The Strokes, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tim Robbins, Cynthia Nixon, and other participants, with artwork by Kii Arens. A powerful representation of music’s role in progressive politics. 

Super Tuesday in Vermont Poster

  • Event: Vermont Super Tuesday event, March 3, 2020
  • Significance: Signed by Bernie Sanders, Jon Fishman, and Mike Gordon of Phish. Created by artist Derek Perez, this poster commemorates a key campaign milestone.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats for Bernie Sanders Concert Poster by Kii Arens

  • Event: Rally in Colorado, March 2, 2020
  • Significance: Signed by Bernie Sanders and Nathaniel Rateliff. This poster marks an unforgettable Super Tuesday rally blending soulful music and calls for change.

CELEBRATE THE MOVEMENT, SUPPORT THE MISSION

These items are more than collectibles—they are milestones in a political movement that united millions. Proceeds from the auction directly support the work of the Sanders Institute.

BID YOUR HEART OUT:  https://bit.ly/SandersInstituteAuction

WHY THIS MATTERS

This auction offers art lovers, music enthusiasts, and political changemakers the opportunity to own a tangible piece of a movement. From electrifying rally stages to the grassroots energy of Super Tuesday, these items embody the passion and urgency of Bernie Sanders’ campaigns.

About The Sanders Institute

The Sanders Institute, founded by Dr. Jane O’Meara Sanders and David Driscoll, is built on the belief that a vital democracy requires an informed electorate, civil discourse, and bold ideas. The institute actively engages individuals, organizations, and the media in the pursuit of progressive solutions to economic, environmental, racial, and social justice issues.

The Sanders Institute Fellowship is a core group of leaders dedicated to transforming democracy through research, education, and outreach. Our Fellowship includes Robert Reich, Bill McKibben, Sara Nelson, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Ben Jealous, Danny Glover, and U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. The full list of Fellows can be found at sandersinstitute.org

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: 

Shana Frahm
Communications Director
The Sanders Institute
+1.323.855.9884
Shana@sandersinstitute.com