Public Matter(s): Design and Democracy

Why does our political system look the way it does? And does it still work for today’s world? What can we change, and what do we want to change?And why is it worth defending democracy, despite all its flaws? Let’s find out. Public Matter(s): Design and Democracy is a call for action and participation, in the exhibition as well as in democracy itself. So join us!

Everything is designed
We don’t often stop to think about it, but everything around us is designed, for better or worse. This goes for our democracy too, and extends far beyond the red pencil in the voting booth, parliament buildings, or election posters. The invisible rules of our political system were also once conceived and shaped. Design is deeply interconnected with how our democracy works for all of us – or perhaps better for some than for others?

From ballot paper to a voice for nature
Discover how design shapes and brings our political ideas to life. We look beyond familiar expressions of democracy and explore alternative systems, some of which are already working very well. What if we selected our lawmakers by lottery – as in citizens’ assemblies around the world? Or how could we design a system of ecocracy in which nature also has its own rights – as in Ecuador, New Zealand, and Spain?

Cracks in the design
Good design should be inclusive and protect those who are less priviledged, but reality often falls short. We ask a pressing question: who is our democracy actually designed for? We confront uncomfortable truths and show how large groups - based on gender, origin, or nationality - are still too often excluded.

What happens when people no longer feel represented? We examine the extremes; from the creative spark of protest and activism to the darker sides of extremism and social disillusionment.

Train your democratic muscles
Democracy is not a system to be passively consumed, it’s something we practice every day. Public Matter(s): Design and Democracy invites you to become a more active citizen. So join us on the Democracy Fitness Trail – in the exhibition, in the museum and beyond. Grab a Democracy Fitness Pass and let's get started!