A Common Room in a Changing World

The exhibition shows how democracy is lived out in Denmark: openly, with a spirit of discussion, and collaboratively.

“We”—what does that mean to you? Your family, your team, your neighborhood, your city—or perhaps even your country? Today, many people retreat into their own bubbles, and society is becoming increasingly individualistic. But where, then, is there room for dialogue, debate, and reaching a consensus? For everything we need to tackle challenges—and to find support and cohesion? With “A Common Room in a Changing World,” the Danish Embassy highlights vibrant places and open communities in Denmark. Communities that are particularly popular among young people—offline, uncomplicated, and often free of charge. Whether small or large, organized or spontaneous, in the capital or the provinces—here you can feel how community is formed and why it is so important for our society. Because where people come together, trust grows—and that is precisely what strengthens democracy. Especially now, when democracy faces major challenges in Denmark as well as throughout Europe.

Welcome: Kristina Oldenburg, urban planner, member of the board of the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Architects

Introduction: Birgitte Tovborg Jensen, project manager, Royal Danish Embassy

Presentation: Moritz Fedkenheuer, senior researcher, Survey Research & Evaluation Berlin (Democratic Spaces)

Presentation: Liv Niemann | Clara Kürth, Mainz University of Applied Sciences (Not a Kitchen – Mainz Democracy Kitchen)