How technology can re-shape democracy – Small Society Lab on Monday, 16th June

Published On Fri 13 Jun 2014 by Grant Hill

Representatives of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and the University of Dundee’s Five Million Questions Initiative will next week help explore the potential for technology to revolutionise democracy.

They will be taking part in the next Small Society Lab event at Dundee Contemporary Arts on Monday, 16th June.

With the Scottish Independence referendum fast approaching, the country is talking about politics like never before. In light of this, the session will explore how democracy can be re-shaped in a way that is more focused on the issues that matter to cities and communities with a particular focus on the role technology can play in this process.

From the printing press to Twitter, disruptive technologies have always played a large role in shaping the way people engage with politics, and the event is aiming to uncover the next idea that changes the way of determining how communities, cities and countries are run.

Speakers at the event include Michael Marra of Five Million Questions and Gillian Easson of Creative Dundee. A panel discussion will be followed by an exhibition of work by DJCAD MSc Product Design students exploring how innovative digital products can collect information, challenge opinions and encourage participation around the referendum.

The Small Society Lab is a joint project between Dundee Contemporary Arts and DJCAD, part of the University. it is an open project exploring the development and understanding of the small city of the future by focusing on the intersection between art, community and technology. Embodying the maxim coined by Patrick Geddes, the Small Society Lab is ‘thinking global and acting local’, to build a vision for the city which uses this insight.

‘Small Society Lab - Value: Democracy’ takes place at 12.30-2pm on Monday, 16th June. All Small Society Lab events are free but ticketed. Places can be booked in advance by calling the DCA Box Office on 01382 909900.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277