Exhibition

By Hilary Cox Condron

An interactive exhibition responding to the many conversations and contributions gathered throughout the Trials of Democracy public art project. Reflecting the need for everyone to be included in a thriving Democracy, the exhibition invited visitors to gather together in a grand dining room, because:

If You’re not At The Table You’re on The Menu

“It’s not often we’re asked to reflect on democracy in our busy lives. This has been a very special opportunity to sit, thank, share, reflect. Thank you!”

At the centre of the room was a large round dinner table setting where visitors were invited to sit, talk and reflect – prompted by community artwork, quotes, provocations and a soundscape of recorded conversations

 

At each of the seven settings were plates, designed to provoke, inspire and reflect on the qualities we would like to bring to the democratic table: qualities we need to nurture within society, government and ourselves in order to have an environment where democracy can thrive.

“Absolutely brilliant. Loved all the visuals and art. IT REALLY MADE ME STOP AND THINK now I just need to ACT … thank you!!!”

Community Power

The centrepiece of the table was The Bowl of Democracy: a collaboratively made geodesic bowl depicting Community Power, with artwork and words contributed by local residents*.

They who sup with the devil should have a long spoon

In contrast to this feast of democracy was a long table depicting some of the faultiness in democracy, set with seven long spoons, each one naming an abuse of democracy: greed, narcissism, ignorance, apathy, distraction, corruption and inequity.

“This is a fantastic exhibition – and it really makes you think about power, who holds it and how we can try and make a difference – and educate ourselves.“

Acts of Everyday Democracy

Two chandeliers flanked the room: One depicted all of the replies we had had to questions we had asked residents about voting and everyday acts of Democracy.

“Very cool and diverse perspectives on why people vote and don’t. Saw a lot of gratitude in the people who do vote which gave me hope”

Hope: Imagining A Future Democracy

The second chandelier was a fabric installation reflecting conversations we had had with residents about future Democracies. Visitors were invited to sit at the table and write their own hopes with quills and ink made from oakgalls and chalkstream water. Bringing our past, natural environment and imaginations to the table – Oakgall ink was used to write the magna carta, forest charter and works of Shakespeare, and our precious chalk streams are often known as England’s Rainforests – and intentionally slowing down the writing process, encouraged participants to be thoughtful and concise in their responses.

“Really thoughtful and inspiring exhibition. Very interactive!”

Wear your heart on your badge

Because everyone loves a badge!

“The interactive elements are great. I think that there should be an exhibition like this in every part of the country – particularly in disillusioned areas. We really need more understanding and engagement with politics! Thank you!”

Poetic Justice

The magnetic wall of Democracy Poetry

P.I.N.K

And you’ll have noticed A LOT of pink! This was in honour of our creative lodestar – Mr John Pink – the founder of Cambridge’s Public Libraries, who is said to haunt parts of The Guildhall. P.I.N.K also represent the key themes we explored throughout the project: Public Space, Inclusion, Narrative and Knowledge.

“Gorgeous exhibit and very thought provoking! Accessible and interesting!!!”

At the request of the City Council, we also installed a pop-up micro installation on the balcony right outside the council chamber which was in place for the following week.

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Thank you to Charlotte Woodley, Samuel Jackson, Katie Thornburrow, Finlay Cox and Mike Davey for their help assembling the exhibition.

*Thank you to everyone who contributed to such wonderful artwork for The Geodesic Bowl of Democracy: Jade Pollard-Crowe, Ruth Sapsed, Virginai Lourgant, MJ Black, Taron Murfutt, Emma Linford, Charlotte Woodley, Emma Lacy, Cathy Dunbar, Penelope Chaney, Hettie Chaney, Samuel Jackson, Sam Dyer, Mary Margaret platts ringer, Simone Chalkley, Helen Cook, Ben Varney, Sandra Scott, Liz Brennan, Candice Pearce, Emmie Stocking, Chris Matthews, Naomh Cambell, Rowan Artists

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Find out more about The Trials of Democracy

More about public involvement

More about the Performance

Listen to the Democracy Podcasts 

This project has been supported by S-106 grant funding from Cambridge City Council