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Democracy by Design: Tomorrow's designers meet today's decision makers
Article contributed by:
Parliament’s Education Service works with schools and Members of both Houses of Parliament to support young people in developing their understanding of Parliament and democracy.
Many thanks to Amy Wedderburn and Lauren Hyams for their contribution.
Democracy by Design is a 10-week course that gives Level 3 art and design students (BTEC National Diploma/A-Level) the opportunity to create a visual communications campaign that encourages young people to vote.
As part of their journey, the young designers visited Parliament to view its art and architecture, meet its decision makers and find out more about how the British Parliamentary system works. Then, working alongside design industry professionals and tutors from Camberwell College of the Arts London, they explored the principles of graphic design, branding and advertising, developing their ideas into creative campaigns which were exhibited at Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament during September 2010.
As part of their journey, the young designers visited Parliament to view its art and architecture, meet its decision makers and find out more about how the British Parliamentary system works. Then, working alongside design industry professionals and tutors from Camberwell College of the Arts London, they explored the principles of graphic design, branding and advertising, developing their ideas into creative campaigns which were exhibited at Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament during September 2010.
Democracy by Design is a partnership between Parliament’s Education Service and The University of the Arts London’s Widening Participation team. Participants were recruited from all over London, and all are students from families that have not participated in higher education. The experience of participating in the project had a great impact on the young people; giving them an idea of life at University, developing art work for their portfolios and the opportunity to work with professional designers and display their work in the prestigious Portcullis House. The young people increased their knowledge and understanding of Parliament and democracy, and gained insight into the importance of young people participating in politics.
The project coincided with the 2010 General Election, inspiring the students to take the theme of voting as the basis for their campaign designs. Encouraged to think about the campaign as a whole, they took inspiration from a range of design concepts, new media trends and their own lives. The resulting projects ranged from typographic poster campaigns, t-shirts, websites, viral videos, touring festivals and even dance moves!
Further information about the project and a pdf of the exhibition catalogue is available at www.parliament.uk/education/special-events-and-programmes/democracy-by-design
