The Democratic Set is an experimental residency model that seeks to explore the belief that all people are, in principle, equal and should enjoy social, political and economic rights and opportunities.

In form, The Democratic Set is an empty room constructed for the purpose of the project. Acting as a visual soapbox, the physical set is designed to be an egalitarian space, in which contributing individuals, groups and audience are able to project their own understanding of the principles that underpin democracy. Performances created ambitiously seek to be, both in form and content, unrestricted and uncensored explorations of the grand ideals of equality and freedom. Participants create video portraitures – solos, duets and group performances – that reflect the theme.

Residencies generally span five days and can involve members of the public, local artists with and without disabilities working in theatre, dance, sound, music, the visual arts and film.

Watch a video of The Democratic Set in Tennant Creek.