Key Research Areas
We explore how grassroots culture fuels democratic participation. Focussing on 4 research themes, we study how grassroots culture claims space, shifts power and strengthens democratic values.
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Youth & Civic Education
Young people are not just the future of democracy: they are its present. And across Europe, despite being highly engaged in cultural, digital, and activist spaces youth are often sidelined in formal political processes. By understanding how young people build community, challenge norms, and imagine alternative futures, we aim to uncover new pathways to a more inclusive democracy.
DE/MO
Santagata Foundation
Institute of Public Affairs
DE/MO
Santagata Foundation
Institute of Public Affairs
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Nightivism
Nightivism represents a unique form of activism that emerges during nighttime, often addressing issues that are overlooked during the day. It empowers communities to express their voices and advocate for change in innovative ways.
Leiden University
DE/MO
Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal
VibeLab
Leiden University
DE/MO
Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal
VibeLab
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Women’s Rights
Our research focuses on the unique challenges women face in society, aiming to amplify their voices and drive meaningful change. By collaborating with grassroots organizations and stakeholders, we strive to create impactful solutions that promote gender equality.
Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University
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Race, Ethnicity & Civic Participation
Our research focuses on the unique challenges faced by ethnic minorities, aiming to amplify their voices and promote inclusivity. By collaborating with community leaders and organizations, we strive to create actionable insights that foster social equity.
CEsA
IMF-CSIC
CEsA
IMF-CSIC
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From research
to policy
From our desk to the real word
Policy roundtables & Symposia
As part of Democracy in Action, we organise policy roundtables and symposia that bring together researchers, grassroots organisations, and policymakers. These events serve as a bridge between practice and policy: grassroots experiences and project findings are translated into concrete policy recommendations, while decision-makers are invited to respond and engage in dialogue.
Events & EuropeNights
Alongside our research activities, Democracy in Action hosts public events and Europe Nights that celebrate grassroots culture and civic engagement. These evenings combine music, art, and debate in accessible cultural spaces across Europe, creating informal settings where young people, artists, activists, and policymakers meet.
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Exploitation Toolboxes
Toolboxes with ready-made yet adaptable tools, methods, and solutions to be further used by researchers, policy stakeholders, educational institutions, grassroots cultural organizations and creatives.
Featured Policy Publications
DemocracyinAction and our sister projects DELIAH and LARPOCRACY respond to the EC's Call for Evidence to the Democracy Shield.
Read about the Horizon Europe projects exploring how culture, arts, and digital spaces can strengthen democracy. DELIAH studies humour as a tool for democratic literacy, DemocracyInAction focuses on grassroots cultural practices to foster civic participation, and Larpocracy uses live action role-play to build empathy and engagement. Together, they offer innovative methods and recommendations to enhance participation, resilience, and trust in democratic life.
