Kids Demo (2021)

(Sv: Barnens demo)

As part of a research project, 120 schoolkids from 5th grade participated in a demonstration through the city streets of Ängelholm. All their demands were painted as individual words, one word on each sign, so that the demands could only be formed collectively. Later, the kids met up with the city chairman to present their demands to him. During the meeting, the kids had individual soapboxes to stand on, so that they all reached the same height as the city chairman (180 cm). On the day of the demonstration, I published an article in the newspaper Helsingborgs Dagblad, presenting my thoughts regarding participatory projects and including children in democratic processes.

Both events were documented by photographer Linda Unnhem. Her photos will be compiled into a slideshow. The photo above (”Vi vill inte ha läxor”) was taken by Cecilia Sterner.

The research project Play for Democracy was initiated by Konstfrämjandet Skåne, Lund University LTH, Form/Design Center in Malmö, Movium at SLU in Alnarp, and Ängelholms Kommun. The results of the project will be published in scientific articles, seminars, and exhibitions. The results will also form guidelines for similar projects in other cities.