Adelaide University’s inaugural Democracy Innovation Festival brings together leading thinkers and community voices to explore new ways of strengthening democracy and building healthier, more resilient and inclusive societies.
Taking place on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August at Adelaide University’s Adelaide City Campus West, the free two-day festival invites South Australians to learn, question, practise and co-design new approaches to democracy grounded in dignity, inclusion and lived experience.
The program features keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, citizen labs and practical skill-building sessions, with opportunities to attend in person or join selected sessions online.
“Democracy Innovation Festival is all about doing democracy together. It’s about recognising each other, our fellow citizens, as experts who are worth understanding and listening to,” said Dr Sarah Moulds, Program Director of the Bachelor of Law (Honours) at Adelaide University and event manager of Democracy Innovation Festival.
“It’s also about sharing what works and learning about new tools and strategies, while recognising the authority of Aboriginal governance and reflecting on both the possibilities and limitations of democracy in the context of our colonial history.”
Dr Moulds was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2022 to explore how young people can be better empowered to engage with Australian parliaments. Through this work, she examined why many people aged 15 to 20 feel disconnected from parliamentarians and the parliamentary process, and disempowered to influence the laws affecting their lives.
“This research identified that one of the key barriers to engagement is created when we think of young people as citizens ‘in waiting’, instead of ‘citizens now’ - with rights, ideas, solutions and innovations which we can all benefit from hearing about,” said Dr Moulds.
“The same finding applies more broadly to democratic participation and engagement. It's imperative that institutions and processes recognise the authority and experience of citizens from all ages and walks of life, including when their contributions take different forms, or embrace new technologies.”
Democracy Innovation Festival builds on her research by exploring democratic engagement strategies from around the world and inviting the South Australian community to help translate those ideas into practical approaches that encourage greater participation in Australia’s parliamentary democracy.
Presented in partnership with democracy revitalisation volunteer group Democracy 2036, the festival is designed to be inclusive, participatory and action oriented. It marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration to strengthen democracy in South Australia and beyond, recognising of the vital role democratic institutions, civic trust and political equality play in societal wellbeing and national resilience.
“Co-hosting Democracy Innovation Festival is an important part of Democracy 2036's ten-year mission to build a stronger, fairer democratic future for South Australia,” said Matt Ryan, Executive Director of Democracy 2036.
“We're thrilled by the community response. Organisations and individuals who've spent years strengthening people's voices in our state are coming together to be part of it. It's clear South Australians are up for the conversation.
“We hope participants leave with two or three practical strategies for raising their voice and sharing their ideas in constructive, collaborative and innovative ways, bringing whatever change they hope to see one step closer to reality, while recognising that same ambition in others.
“We hope festival attendees experience the sense of deep empowerment that comes from knowing that a wide range of people from all walks of life – your neighbours, your children, your colleagues, your footy mates – share a passion for ensuring our democracy not only survives, but thrives.”
Festival highlights include a conversation between distinguished members of the Purkarninthi Aboriginal Elders and Bradley Distinguished Professor Irene Watson exploring Aboriginal governance.
International participatory democracy expert Josh Lerner, founder of People Powered and Democracy Co., will lead the interactive workshop Putting People Back in Our Democracy.
Another highlight is a session featuring international expert in democratic innovation Beth Noveck, exploring how participatory approaches, technology and artificial intelligence can strengthen democratic engagement, improve deliberation and rebuild public trust.
“We are at a critical turning point when it comes to trust in democratic institutions in Australia,” said Dr Moulds.
“We can continue lamenting the disconnect between citizens and the state, or we can lean in, listen to voices that have too often been left out, and find new ways to work together to protect, strengthen and improve the practices and processes that define our shared public life in Australia.”
Find out more about Democracy Innovation Festival on Adelaide University’s website. Register to attend here.
Media contacts:
Dr Sarah Moulds, Program Director of the Bachelor of Law (Honours), Adelaide University. Email: sarah.moulds@adelaide.edu.au
Lara Pacillo, Media Officer, Adelaide University. Mobile: +61 403 659 154. Email: lara.pacillo@adelaide.edu.au