Democracy
in Action
Democracy in Action explores how grassroots culture, arts, and activism fuel democracy. Bringing together researchers, grassroots movements, and policymakers, we spotlight new ways citizens engage - online, in cultural spaces, and on the streets.
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About
the project
Democracy in Action (DiA) is a Horizon Europe-funded initiative exploring how grassroots movements, cultural spaces, and digital innovations can strengthen democratic participation. With a special focus on youth, women, ethnic minorities and night culture, we bring together researchers, grassroots movements, and policymakers to create bold new ways for citizens to shape democracy - online, in cultural spaces, and on the streets.
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Democracy is at a crossroads
Across Europe, democratic values are under pressure. Citizens feel disconnected from decision-making, political polarization is rising and trust in institutions is declining. Yet, at the same time, new forms of civic engagement - through culture, social spaces , and digital platforms - are emerging. This moment presents both a challenge and a unique opportunity: how can we harness grassroots initiatives and digital spaces to create a more inclusive, participatory democracy?
Where we are based
Our research institutes and partner organisations
A leading Polish think tank focused on democracy, civil society, and European integration. It conducts evidence-based research to inform public debate and policy.
One of Europe’s oldest, is a major Polish academic institution known for excellence in the humanities and social sciences. It plays a key role in advancing critical research on democracy, history, and civic life.
VibeLab is a creative consultancy and think tank focused on the night-time economy, urban culture, and youth participation. It helps cities and organizations co-create inclusive and vibrant cultural spaces.
DE/MO is a Dutch foundation working at the intersection of design, storytelling, and democracy. It creates participatory formats that make complex political and social issues accessible to wider audiences.
One of Europe’s leading research universities, Leiden University has a strong focus on international law, governance, and social sciences. It brings deep academic expertise and a global network to interdisciplinary projects.
Applied sciences university emphasizing practice-based education and research in social work, engineering, and sustainability. It engages closely with communities and public institutions.
Foundation specializing in cultural economics and heritage-led development. It connects research, policy, and practice to promote sustainable cultural innovation.
CSIC is Spain’s largest public research institution, spanning disciplines from natural sciences to humanities. It provides high-level scientific research and policy analysis capabilities.
CEsA is a research center at the University of Lisbon focusing on development studies and African affairs. It contributes deep knowledge on postcolonial societies, inequality, and global cooperation.
One of Europe’s leading research universities, Leiden University has a strong focus on international law, governance, and social sciences. It brings deep academic expertise and a global network to interdisciplinary projects.
Foundation specializing in cultural economics and heritage-led development. It connects research, policy, and practice to promote sustainable cultural innovation.
One of Europe’s oldest, is a major Polish academic institution known for excellence in the humanities and social sciences. It plays a key role in advancing critical research on democracy, history, and civic life.
CEsA is a research center at the University of Lisbon focusing on development studies and African affairs. It contributes deep knowledge on postcolonial societies, inequality, and global cooperation.
DE/MO is a Dutch foundation working at the intersection of design, storytelling, and democracy. It creates participatory formats that make complex political and social issues accessible to wider audiences.
CSIC is Spain’s largest public research institution, spanning disciplines from natural sciences to humanities. It provides high-level scientific research and policy analysis capabilities.
VibeLab is a creative consultancy and think tank focused on the night-time economy, urban culture, and youth participation. It helps cities and organizations co-create inclusive and vibrant cultural spaces.
Applied sciences university emphasizing practice-based education and research in social work, engineering, and sustainability. It engages closely with communities and public institutions.
A leading Polish think tank focused on democracy, civil society, and European integration. It conducts evidence-based research to inform public debate and policy.
Highlighted news, stories and publications
Explore our latest research and publications.
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