An app that's turning political engagement into a work of art

“Everyone can make a piece of the artwork, everyone can make a difference; it’s a democratic piece of artwork,” says Jon Adams of his latest project; a new mobile app, Democracy Street.  As the name suggests, Democracy Street is all about the institution of democracy, and, more specifically, its relationship with the wider public.

Commissioned by the Houses of Parliament Speaker’s Art Fund and Arts Council England, the app’s aim is to encourage people to discover streets across the UK that have a link to the country’s democratic history. Download the app and digitally explore the UK locations that are part of Great Britain's political past. Users are also invited to upload photos of their own to add to the database. Those who contribute enough are rewarded with Digital Badges for different stages of engagement and learning. All of the data from the project will then be turned into an artwork by Adams in November 2015.

Communities are increasingly using technology to reconnect and reengage with their localities.  Whether it’s uncovering new spots through locally-curated online review sites, or engaging younger voters in the political process on web platforms (a topic we explored in our recent journal), the new digital is proving key in reigniting good old fashioned community spirit.