Expressions of Democracy
A Participatory Artistic Intervention at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024
The Vision
At the European Capital of Democracy (ECoD), we believe that art is a powerful tool to inspire engagement and foster meaningful dialogue around democracy. Expressions of Democracy is a dynamic, participatory art project that will showcase two immersive artistic interventions as part of the closing event of Barcelona’s term as the first-ever European Capital of Democracy. The project will unfold at the Smart City Expo World Congress in November 2024, creating a unique space for reflection on democratic values through interactive art.
The Story
By integrating immersive artistic interventions within the Smart City Expo World Congress, which features thematic tracks across multiple sectors, the project Expressions of Democracy disrupts conventional thematic bubbles, encouraging cross-sectoral discussions. Art becomes a catalyst for breaking down barriers, fostering dialogue between diverse fields, including urban planning, technology, and civic engagement. By creating a space where diverse voices and viewpoints converge, the project supports a more engaged public and stimulates innovative solutions, addressing the interconnected nature of democratic participation and pressing global challenges such as the climate crisis. This project builds on the ECoD initiative “Art of Democracy”, which explored similar topics of democratic engagement through art.
Meet the Artists
Expressions of Democracy combine innovation and participation in society with the practice of contemporary visual art. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport (BMKOES, Austria) and Smart City Expo World Congress.
Oliver Hangl (AUT), performance and media artist, curator, and urbanist, https://www.oliverhangl.com/ In his urban interventions, the Austrian artist Oliver Hangl confronts the human being and the environment, and pushes the boundaries between physical and psychological spaces, playfully connecting both worlds.
Aldo Giannotti (AUT/IT), artist, http://www.aldogiannotti.com/ Drawing plays a central role in his artistic practice and is a medium to highlight socio-political concepts and processes. Aldo uses various forms of expression such as drawing, photography, video, music, installation, and choreography for his site-specific works.
Artistic Interventions
- Oliver Hangl: Alphabet of democracy
Call to Participate
Help us create the ALPHABET OF DEMOCRACY! Assign your democracy-related topic, notion, idea, or wish to each letter of the alphabet.
- Time: November 5 to November 7
Place: Smart City Expo World Congress,
Fira Brcelona Gran Via
Av. Joan Carles I, 64 – Halls 2 & 3
08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona) - Live Performance by Oliver Hangl: Daily at 12 PM.
This public call to contribute is a collective effort to evaluate and rethink the foundational elements and principles of a democratic society. Much like letters in an alphabet, these values form the building blocks that enable democratic governance. The ALPHABET OF DEMOCRACY may serve as a guiding framework for sustaining democratic values across different societies. Each “letter” or principle interrelates with others, just as letters combine to form words, fostering a resilient and participatory democratic system.
The ALPHABET OF DEMOCRACY is an artistic intervention by Austrian media and performance artist Oliver Hangl. www.oliverhangl.com
- Aldo Giannotti: Contract & Sculpture
Aldo Giannotti presents a two-part work that encourages individuals to take matters in their own hands in a humorous yet profound way. His drawings invite us to reclaim responsibility for the communities we live in and challenge conventional notions of equality.
The team behind it
The team behind “Expressions of Democracy” combines diverse expertise.
Dunja, skilled in project development and management, brings creativity and strategic insight from arts, policymaking, and media.
Miriam, with a background in political science and public affairs, leads initiatives like the Innovation in Politics Awards and ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference, promoting collaboration and societal progress. Together, they foster impactful change.
Join us in Barcelona and Become a Sponsor
Support this impactful project and enjoy 360-degree visibility at one of the world’s leading urban innovation events. Cultural activities help build social capital, the glue that holds communities together; they help create trust, tolerance, solidarity, and cohesion.[1]
The best art is not made for the audience, it is made with them.
Dominic Dromgoole
Contact: Dunja Ganser dg@capitalofdemocracy.eu | Miriam Hargašová, mh@capitalofdemocracy.eu
