The DEMOCRACY IN BRIDPORT 2015 celebration was born out of the HOME IN BRIDPORT project. I was planning on making a film and a photo-essay about how democracy is practiced in a small western European town. I thought of it as a universal expression about what the condition of democracy is today. Although it is a system superior to others, there is an ever-increasing critique of cabinet government, the rise of the national security state and the threat to social harmony fostered by rising economic inequality.
Many people are alienated to politicians, elections and often to local participation and there are rising signs of racist and fascist activity.
I feel this is a vital time for all of us to look at what we believe and care about as a community. Since my HOME exhibition in 2012 seemed to stir people into asking questions, I believe that likewise, this project may do the same.
As a consequence of the workshops held by HOME from May 2013 through August 2014, virtually everyone involved wanted to participate in the development of the Democracy project.
Many people have joined and offered ideas and new skills in puppet making, dance and music. Its perspective and depth has grown with these increased contributions.
By sheer coincidence, this is the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, whose fundamental idea that all people should be treated equally under the law, served as a spark to illuminate democracy in Europe. At the same time, the town council wish to encourage the people of Bridport to contribute to the rewriting of the town’s own charter, a consequence of the Magna Carta.
We will encourage young and old to become excited by the towns heritage, and will help people to newly see its 1000 listed buildings, and how its religious, civil and industrial history played a part in its developing democracy. This will be accomplished through workshops, theatrical pieces, an exhibition, musical events and other offerings.
At the moment, we are waiting for funding news but would like to ask if there are any local crafts people or artists who would decorate 8 small ballot boxes as receptacles for the charter questionnaire that will be placed around town.
Robert Golden
Many people are alienated to politicians, elections and often to local participation and there are rising signs of racist and fascist activity.
I feel this is a vital time for all of us to look at what we believe and care about as a community. Since my HOME exhibition in 2012 seemed to stir people into asking questions, I believe that likewise, this project may do the same.
As a consequence of the workshops held by HOME from May 2013 through August 2014, virtually everyone involved wanted to participate in the development of the Democracy project.
Many people have joined and offered ideas and new skills in puppet making, dance and music. Its perspective and depth has grown with these increased contributions.
By sheer coincidence, this is the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, whose fundamental idea that all people should be treated equally under the law, served as a spark to illuminate democracy in Europe. At the same time, the town council wish to encourage the people of Bridport to contribute to the rewriting of the town’s own charter, a consequence of the Magna Carta.
We will encourage young and old to become excited by the towns heritage, and will help people to newly see its 1000 listed buildings, and how its religious, civil and industrial history played a part in its developing democracy. This will be accomplished through workshops, theatrical pieces, an exhibition, musical events and other offerings.
At the moment, we are waiting for funding news but would like to ask if there are any local crafts people or artists who would decorate 8 small ballot boxes as receptacles for the charter questionnaire that will be placed around town.
Robert Golden