May 30 to October 13, 2024, at Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn, Germany

This is not just true to ballots or posters. It applies above all to the system itself, the mechanisms by which our democratic system works, such as party representation or the way we vote. Everything that constitutes democracy according to the Western model is under scrutiny. Does it deliver what it promises? Is “for all” really for all? And what if we shift political and legislative power to ordinary people? It seems time to think about new forms of democracy, new ways of participation and collective political decision-making. 

All In! Redesigning Democracy is a call for active participation – in the exhibition as well as in democracy itself. It is about participation in power. In fact, more effective democracy is already being tested in citizens’ councils, community advisory boards, and similar initiatives around the world. For example, in 2023 the German parliament has created a citizens’ assembly dealing with nutrition, the Belgian region of Eupen-Malmedy has a permanent citizens’ parliament, and many cities allow their citizens to have a direct say on a variety of issues. Exploring this paradigm shift, the exhibition All in! Redesigning Democracy looks at new ideas for participation as well as traditional forms of democracy – and how they have failed us.

In the run-up to the exhibition, the Bundeskunsthalle, together with the Kunstgewerbemuseum der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Museum of Decorative Arts of the Dresden State Art Collections), has convened a citizens’ assembly of this kind: consisting of 35 citizens drawn by lot in each city, the so-called Gesellschaftsforum (Society Forum) was set up to help democratize and open up the institution.

The exhibition also features the “Democracy Gym” where visitors are invited to train their democratic muscles. Through interactive design and art pieces visitors experience first-hand what it means to be empathetic, to show patience, or to negotiate compromise. In addition to art and design, documents of political and cultural history, architecture, games, film and photography will be on display.

All in! Redesigning Democracy is a cooperation with the Kunstgewerbemuseum/Design Campus, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. It will be on show at the Japanisches Palais in Dresden starting in the fall of 2026.

Curatorial team: Amelie Klein, Vera Sacchetti and Johanna Adam (Bundeskunsthalle)