Artivism as a Call to Action for Democracy
In an era where democratic participation is increasingly vulnerable, and the gap between citizens and European institutions continues to widen, creative approaches to civic engagement are more essential than ever. Pop The Vote, a project led by the European network Culture Action Europe and coordinated by Maya Weisinger, highlights the powerful intersection of art and activism.
It confronts us with the precarious state of democracy, urging us to stand for a society that is participatory, inclusive, and active—a mission perfectly aligned with the work we champion at European Alternatives.
We first encountered Pop The Vote and its Changemakers during their networking event at the European Parliament this February, held as part of their training week during the Brussels Bootcamp organized with Artivist Network. The alignment between our shared belief in the power of artivism to drive civic participation was immediately clear.
Pop The Vote accomplished this by giving a platform to 40 young artivists from 14 EU countries, equipping them with tools, training, inspiration and funds to organize events that mobilize their communities—especially marginalized and underrepresented groups—to participate in the 2024 European Parliamentary elections.
Each initiative inspired by Pop The Vote reflects the cultural and political landscapes of its creators, while contributing to a shared goal: making democracy not only accessible but profoundly engaging.
Pop The Vote’s journey reached another milestone in Malmö, where Culture Action Europe invited the group to join their annual Beyond The Obvious conference as Changemakers. This event provided participants with a unique opportunity to present their projects to a diverse and influential network of European cultural organizations. During the conference, Stephanie Bonnici, changemaker from Malta, now based in Rotterdam, delivered a compelling reflection on the urgency of our times, underscoring the need for ‘Radical Hope’. She outlined three pathways for building a future where young and old generations can work together more effectively:
- Connection: Addressing the epidemic of loneliness and fostering real-world interactions to counteract individualism.
- Empowerment through intergenerational collaboration: Creating genuine opportunities for young and older generations to learn from each other, avoiding tokenism, integrating young people into decision-making processes, ensuring fair compensation, and embracing the discomfort of diversity as a strength.
- Radical Hope: Acknowledging our collective hopes, imagining alternative futures for the world, and taking bold actions to realize those aspirations.
This vision of Radical Hope is a cornerstone of Pop The Vote’s philosophy, emphasizing that in times of uncertainty, we must dare to imagine and work toward a better future. It reflects the spirit of the project itself—transforming frustration and challenges into creativity, collaboration, and meaningful civic engagement.
Each initiative inspired by Pop The Vote reflects the cultural and political landscapes of its creators, while contributing to a shared goal: making democracy not only accessible but profoundly engaging.
STORIES OF HOPE
By Stephanie Bonnici, The Netherlands
How can one approach strangers and encourage them to vote in the European elections without first recognising their personal realities and the external forces shaping their experience of Europe and the world? This was the question behind STORIES FOR HOPE’s pilot encounters in Rotterdam, where individuals from all walks of life were invited to explore themes of hope and democracy together with artists and creatives who led writing and ceramics workshops. Inspired by Rebecca Solnit’s Hope in the Dark, the project framed hope as a political act and a positive force for grassroots action. Two workshops—one in writing, co-led by Salomé Attias and Ruth Borg, and one in ceramics, co-led by Jolien van Oostende, Pilar del Amo Garcia, and Ruth Borg—offered spaces for participants to process hopelessness and envision alternative futures.
The workshops were held at two volunteer-run venues – Stadskwekerij De Kas and Leeszaal Rotterdam West – both of which came to exist from a spirit of grassroots change and community action. They aimed to bring ‘un-like-minded’ individuals together, hosting a space in which diverse ages, cultures, and backgrounds can reflect on their shared hopes and hopelessness. Artivism played a central role, enabling participants to engage creatively with democratic themes and to counter narratives of fear and polarisation. The project underscored the ability of art to bring communities together, empower reflection, inspire action, and bridge divides.
Mani(nuestro). Our Common Manifesto
By Sofía Moreno Domínguez, Spain (Nalda, La Rioja)
Mani(nuestro) is a collection of 84 testimonies about the feeling of local (Riojan) and European belonging, based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which provokes reflection on physiology, security, belonging, recognition and self-realization. It is therefore a collective fanzine that offers some diverse truths from the privacy of each person’s handwriting. The first series of anonymous testimonies took place on Sunday 7 April 2024, during the Plum Blossom Festival, in the Plaza de la Tela of Nalda (La Rioja). In this rural setting, 46 texts were collected, with the collaboration of PANAL, El Colletero and Espacio Común. The second round of testimonies was attended by 38 people and took place on Thursday 9th May in La Gota de Leche in Logroño, as part of the ‘Mani(nuestro)’ capacity building. Cooperation between the local, the European and the global, coordinated by Mindchangers and CONGDCAR.
Cultterra’s Project
By Fjorida Cenaj, Greece (Elefsina, Attika)
Cultterra’s project was a vibrant activist party that seamlessly blended celebration with civic engagement, bringing the community together to reimagine the role of public spaces and encourage participation in shaping their future. The event revolved around three key experiences: a playful ballot-box activity where attendees voiced their opinions on ARKOPOLIS and public space rights; an inspiring video screening by Timecircus Collactive, showcasing the transformation of cultural spaces; and a high-energy party with Eurodance beats curated by the Arvanite Pistols DJ duo.
Targeted primarily at youth, the initiative aimed to spark meaningful conversations about public spaces, cultural heritage, and civic participation, particularly in the context of the upcoming European Elections. By combining fun, education, and activism, the event demonstrated the power of artivism in mobilizing communities. It proved that civic issues can be engaging and accessible, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, shared experiences that inspire collective action and joy. This dynamic fusion of creativity and activism captured the spirit of “Pop the Vote,” making participation in societal matters a celebration rather than an obligation.
Active EU Citizens
By Dimitris Theologidis, Greece
Building on the skills and insights gained during the project, Dimitris launched an initiative titled “Active EU Citizens”, organizing and presenting two school events in May 2024 in Drama, Greece. These events targeted young students, fostering awareness of the importance of voting and active participation in democratic processes. The school events, which coincided with the Day of Europe, began with a musical performance by the School Symphony Orchestra. Dimitris then delivered a presentation on the significance of the European Parliamentary elections, with the support of Europe Direct Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The events concluded with an interactive quiz game on Kahoot, created by Dimitris, where students tested their knowledge of EU-related topics. The winner received a symbolic gift from the European Parliament. The initiative reached over 300 students, teachers, and parents, combining music, education, and interactivity to inspire young citizens to think critically and actively engage in democratic life. By blending artistic expression with civic education, this project empowered young people to see themselves as integral contributors to the future of Europe.
Use your democratic voice – cultural event & discussion
By Fabian Dunst, Germany
Designed as an open and inclusive gathering in the heart of the city, the event aimed to encourage dialogue about democracy and the European Union in the lead-up to the 2024 European Parliamentary elections.
The evening began with a panel discussion featuring prominent voices from various fields.
MEP Bernd Lange (Chairman of the Fair Trade Working Group), Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brückner (EUROPE DIRECT), Björn von Lindeiner (Youth Department, City of Hildesheim), and Konstantin Gerbrich (volunteer, Pulse of Europe Hildesheim) shared their perspectives on the intersection of politics, academia, and grassroots activism. Audience members were actively involved, contributing questions and comments that added depth to the discussion.
Artistic performances enriched the event, highlighting the role of culture in fostering political awareness. The jazz-funk band Bernadette and poetry slam artist Lina Roß captivated the audience, creating an atmosphere that celebrated creativity while emphasizing democratic participation.
To further engage the public, interactive questions were displayed on the venue’s windows, inviting both attendees and passersby to share their thoughts and concerns about the EU. This visual dialogue extended beyond the event, remaining on display throughout the election period, and serving as a lasting reminder of the community’s voice in shaping the future of Europe.
The event organizer reflected on the value of the experience, noting how it offered an opportunity to merge a passion for the arts with meaningful socio-political debate.
Walk and Talk
By Leon Casper Stille, Germany
Inspired by Lucius Burckhardt’s Strollology, the public intervention “Walk and Talk” works towards a reframing of conversations on politics. Why? During the past few decades the far right has gained ground in Germany whilst ambiguity tolerance among all streams of society is fading. Open, tolerant and accessible conversational spaces are rare to find. Hence this project invites people, roaming in public space, to simply go on a little walk. During the stroll, a walking buddy facilitates a guided yet open conversation on democracy, culture and politics. Guests are invited to share their thoughts on the discussed topics, whether those be spoken out loud during the walk or written on an individual card after the walk’s conclusion. As it turns out, the walking buddies are performing artists and spontaneously share an excerpt of their art form with the guests, on the spot. The element of surprise, gentle live music, an open space for lingering and an offer of fresh snacks allow this experience of talking about democracy to be a positive one. The temporary public action reaches bypassers of all ages and backgrounds, inviting both locals and visitors. It has been conducted in Weimar and Erfurt, both in Thuringia, Germany.
800V project
By Noemi Pittalà and Manuela V. Colacicco, Southern Italy
Rooted in the streets of Palermo, where the symbol “800A” embodies rebellion and liberation, 800V flips the “A,” transforming emotion into action.
V stands for Voices, Votes, and the will to transform. Born thanks to Pop The Vote, 800V is a collective, feminist, and youth-driven artivism initiative led by Sicilian artivist Noemi Pittalà and Apulian artivist Manuela V. Colacicco, forging connections between marginalized communities in Southern Italy and Europe. Through performances, workshops, and public events, 800V engaged over 250 participants from Palermo to Rome during the campaign for the 2024 European elections.
Highlights included a theatrical performance by a young Italian company, paired with a talk on “Youth and the Future” with Monreale’s Youth Council; a workshop in Palermo with an association supporting youth in educational poverty, where first-time voters explored the 11 European Youth Goals, with quality education emerging as their top priority; and a dance performance choreographed by Julia Rudzyk, which delved into themes of resilience, solidarity, and collective action. Beyond the elections, 800V remains active in its mission. Recently, the project organized a community dinner in Gioia del Colle, Puglia, as part of the Emersi. Culture della superficie festival, reaffirming its dedication to amplifying diverse voices during a critical period for democracy. By advocating for artivism, 800V continues to inspire both local and transnational actions, bridging divides and empowering communities through creative expression.
Europa schaffen: discorsi fotografici
By Emma Hanny, Italy/Austria
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without it.” And not only that. Photography gives the chance to look, listen, think, play, be curious and reframe with all our senses and our whole body. It literally encourages us to question and change perspectives. This is what lies behind the project, which was brought to life in the city of Bolzano in Italy, thanks to the Pop the Vote project. A group of students between the ages of 17 and 19 were given the space to explore photography as a tool for storytelling and for expressing their values. Two core questions lead the work: How does the European Union impact your life? What values do you stand for and what would you like the EU to stand for?
Keeping those in mind Emma, as facilitator and the group of students went out to the city and started taking pictures. With the results from our Photo Walk we co-created a little exhibition for their classmates and some other classes from different schools.
This work shows that not only the final artworks should be celebrated but rather the processes of critical thinking and creation behind the work. Photography is one way for those processes to happen and this might be a good framework for democracy to be lived through art, play and experimentation.
The impact of Pop The Vote also appears within European Alternatives’ own projects, as two Changemakers have directly contributed to EA’s initiatives. Noemi Pittalà has since joined EA’s team, bringing the insights of the Pop The Vote network into ongoing efforts to promote democracy, inclusivity, and collaboration with a transnational approach.
Emma Hanny was an artist-in-residence aboard the Fluctuations project, traveling by boat from Brussels to Utrecht, exploring how cultural practices can engage communities along Europe’s waterways.
We are thrilled to present the project developed by Emma, in collaboration with fellow artist-in-residence Filippo Gonnella, during the Fluctuations residency ‘Fluid Connections’. Their work invites audience participation, encouraging engagement by following this link to become part of the experience.
Nymph helpline
By Emma Hanny and Filippo Gonnella, Italy/Austria
“Hello fellow nymphs!
We are the nymph helpline, acting in the interest of Gaya, the god of earth.
Our goal is to improve the life of nymphs living next to the species homo sapiens, whose behaviour and role in the ecological community is yet to be deciphered.
This research is the beginning of a bigger intervention and can help us with directing the form and content of our work. We would like to deeper understand your encounters with humans and consider you as an important messenger for our investigation.
Thank you for your help by filling in this questionnaire and we hope you have a wonderful day!”