Democracy doesn't exist – we make it!
What do you think is most important in a democracy? Minority rights, free media, freedom of expression or perhaps the right to start and belong to associations? Things you might take for granted in a functioning democracy, but how would you feel if you were suddenly not allowed to express your opinions or were punished for being a member of a certain organization? Research shows that 72 percent of the world's population today lives in a dictatorship, an increase of two percent since last year. A staggering figure.
The work of maintaining and strengthening democracy is ongoing. We all have a responsibility to talk about, learn from, and reflect on how democracy can be improved.
In the traveling exhibition Democracy Doesn't Exist – We Make It! you will meet different people's personal stories on the theme of democracy. On December 11, the exhibition premiered in Norrbotten, at the Pajala library. A fitting place considering the democratic mission of libraries, which includes, for example, free access to information and literature and free formation of opinions.
- We have received positive feedback on the exhibition from both adults and young people. Young people interact with it even when they come to the library themselves. The exhibition has led to interesting discussions among people of all ages, which we are very happy about, says Wanja Skrealid, who works as a library assistant in Pajala.
The exhibition is available in two versions, one large and one small. Both are aimed at students in junior high school, upper secondary school and folk high schools, but also at the general public. The material is based on studies conducted by Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) at the University of Gothenburg and highlights five different democratic ideals: fair elections, freedom, equality, openness and participation.
- Our regional mission is to promote the work of public libraries and municipalities with democracy. The exhibition raises important issues and can contribute to increased knowledge, discussion and reflection on the importance of democracy in our society today. This says Birgitta Markusson, manager of the Norrbotten Regional Library, which has initiated and is co-financing the Norrbotten tour.
The goal is that the exhibition will never be finished, but will continue to develop over time as more stories are collected. There are opportunities to contribute your own story and perspective.
Please visit the exhibition Democracy Doesn't Exist – We'll Make It! when it comes to your municipality or a neighboring municipality.
Tour schedule
Below you will find a rough tour schedule. Contact the local library for exact dates.
The Great Exhibition
- The store: week 15-22
- Kiruna: week 23-34
- Övertorneå: week 35-40
- Piteå: weeks 41-48
- Luleå: week 49-2 (2024-2025)
The little exhibition
- Pajala: week 47-52
- Gällivare: week 52-4 (2024-2025)
- Haparanda: week 5-9
- Kalix: week 10-17
- Upper calyx: week 18-22
- Älvsbyn: weeks 35-39
- Arjeplog: week 40-44
- Jokkmokk: week 45-52