For the past five years, the Democratic Futures Project (DFP) has initiated a series of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as cross-disciplinary research projects, focused on how a new generation of civil society actors are attempting to reanimate a robust “middle” that can support democracy in the face of global authoritarianism. Civil society actors have developed their understanding of democracy through book clubs, such as in Syria or Algeria; popular music to speak for human rights in the midst of authoritarian crackdowns, such as in South Sudan or Uganda; and graffiti and public art to testify to the resilient spirit of women, such as in Afghanistan or Iran. For these civil society actors and artists, the “arts,” broadly defined, have become a vital tool in reminding those under authoritarian rule of the possibilities and practices which can rebuild 
human and democratic rights.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among artists, scholars, and students, the Art, Expression, & Democracy Lab examines how artistic expression shapes and challenges democratic discourse, particularly in societies experiencing political 
repression, conflict, or democratic backsliding. The Lab creates public dialogues and events which seek to draw the UVA community into the actual work of creating art, speaking to the value of democracy.

The Art, Expression, and Democracy Lab is led by Steve Parks (English/Global Studies) and Naseemah Mohamed (African American and African Studies).