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TJAC World
2025/Community/Manchester

Democracy: New Roots

A new arts programme exploring democracy led by The Javaad Alipoor Company.

Project Info

Democracy: New Roots is a new arts programme for young people in Greater Manchester exploring what democracy means in today’s world.

Specifically designed for young people with lived experience of what it is to be at the sharp end of the struggle for democracy, it brings together a group of eleven talented young Manchester-based creatives, aged 18 - 25.

Across eight unique sessions over July - August 2025, they attended art events, explored ideas, and spoke with artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, activists and community leaders, to question, challenge and reimagine their relationship to democracy, and think about what change they want to make in the world.

At a time when democratic rights are under constant threat, Democracy: New Roots asks what role art and artists can play in strengthening democratic resilience in young people, shedding feelings of disillusionment and powerlessness.

Micro Projects

After an inspiring summer of sessions, the programme continues to evolve. This autumn, Democracy: New Roots artists are developing creative responses to their reflections on democracy in today’s world – culminating in a public sharing later this year.

Featuring film, performance, music, dance, writing and more, the sharing will showcase ten emerging artists as they experiment, refine their practice, collaborate with peers, build networks, and take root.

Photos by Hawwa Alam.
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Credits

Group FacilitatorElmi Ali
Guest Artists and SpeakersJames Varney Neelay Patel Ramazani Mwamba Reform Radio Naqqash Khalid Toni-Dee Paul

Partners

This programme was launched in collaboration with Hong Kong Cultural Community, Sahba Academy, and Elevate Young Minds.

Supported by The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust.