Democracy: New Roots

An arts programme for young people in Greater Manchester exploring what democracy means in today’s world.

Specifically designed for young people with lived experience of what it is to be at the sharp end of the struggle for democracy, the project brought together a group of eleven talented young Manchester-based artists, aged 18 - 25.

Across eight sessions spanning arts and culture, activism, technology, podcast and media, the artists were invited to question, challenge and reimagine their relationship to democracy, thinking about what change they want to make in the world.

As a result of its success, the project was extended beyond the summer programme to support these young artists to create five Collaborative Projects of original new works featuring film, performance, music, dance, and writing, which they presented to a live audience in Manchester at the end of 2025.

At a time when democratic rights are under constant threat, Democracy: New Roots asked what role art and artists can play in strengthening democratic resilience in young people, shedding feelings of disillusionment and powerlessness.