The story about
I. The Spark
I am a creative mind. Design, books, art projects—this is my language. I build bridges, open spaces between people, ideas, and worlds. Because creativity is more than aesthetics. It is a force. It moves.
Germany is my chosen home. But in recent years, it no longer feels that way. The looks are colder, the silence louder. Where words are needed, there is emptiness. Democracy is no longer a given. It is a responsibility.
Then comes this one night. Outside, everything is still. Inside me, thoughts are raging.
What if art could be a bridge? What if images could speak where words fail?
I reach for my notebook. I write just one sentence:
“Let’s design democracy.”
That evening, I send a message to Berlin.
“Can art still make an impact before the election?”
As we chat, a logo takes shape. A line, a form—more than just a sign. A symbol of something bigger.
We discuss, reject, start over. And then—suddenly—it is there: the idea. No longer just a thought. A project. A movement.
I post the first call to action. Hours later, my phone won’t stop buzzing. Messages from Berlin, Milan, Vienna, Paris, New York, Tehran.
“Yes! Let’s do this!”
“Can art really change anything?”
I know the answer:
Images stay. They burn into memory. They move people.
A spark is lit. Within weeks, it grows into a movement. 72 creatives from 29 countries. The first designs arrive.
Bold. Unsettling. Hopeful.
Then comes the resistance.
II. The Wall of Doubt
Sponsors back out. “Too political.”
A gallery withdraws. “Too risky.”
Some artists hesitate. “Better to stay silent for now. The world is on the brink of change.”
Doubt creeps in. I feel it. But I know:
Democracy was never meant to be comfortable. It has always been a fight.
So, I search for new spaces. I find them.
With every obstacle, my determination grows.
Then comes opening night. But this is no ordinary exhibition.
It is an outcry.
90 posters. 72 creatives. 29 countries.
Each image a question. Each work a statement.
A group of young people stops in front of a poster.
“If you are happy right now, someone else is bleeding for it.”
One of them whispers:
“This feels real.”
A mother explains an image to her child.
A small house in a dark forest—a ballot box.
But the people in the picture look lost.
The forest represents fear, the struggle to find one’s way. A vote that does not feel like freedom.
In the corner, two strangers start talking.
A conversation that might never have happened otherwise.
I look around. My heart is racing.
This is not a museum.
This is democracy—raw, alive, real.
III. The Spark Catches Fire
Days pass, but the impact remains.
A teacher writes:
“My students talk about democracy like it’s a song they finally understand.”
A journalist calls it:
“A movement for democracy.”
I know: Change is not a sudden explosion.
It is a spark that spreads.
And that is exactly what is happening now.
I stand between the posters.
The colors, the words, the emotions crash over me.
Messages from other cities arrive:
“What’s next?”
And I know:
This is only the beginning.
Democracy is not a finished painting. Not a frozen moment.
It lives. It evolves. It grows.
It must be shaped, defended, and questioned—every single day.
As long as people raise their voices, ask the right questions, and stay creative, democracy will never fall silent.
Go vote. And choose wisely.
The Faces
of
»DEMOGRAZIE – Designing Democracy«
Four intense weeks full of passion, challenges, and relentless dedication – and now it stands: an exhibition that touches, moves, and makes a statement. It wasn’t easy, but together, we made it happen!
An incredible team from Germany, Austria, and Iran put their heart and soul into this project. Because standing up for democracy means exactly that – it takes strength, courage, and perseverance. But when we stand together, it is possible.
This is our contribution to preserving democracy.
I am deeply grateful for all the creative minds – designers, artists, visionaries – who trusted me and committed to this project despite the short time frame. You are the heartbeat of this initiative! A special thank you goes to my amazing team, who worked tirelessly on the setup and tackled every challenge alongside me.
Four weeks to bring such a significant exhibition to life is an incredible challenge. But one thing is certain:
We are loud.
We are visible.
We are many.
The exhibition showcases an inspiring collection of posters created by esteemed international designers. In addition, select works will be shared on our social media channels (»DEMOGRAZIE – Designing Democracy« on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram), fostering an active dialogue about democracy and making the initiative accessible to a broader audience.
An Exhibition: »DEMOGRAZIE – Designing Democracy« – Visionary posters that make democracy visible and spark meaningful conversations.
Venue: HANS C – Hansastrasse 6-10, 44137 Dortmund
Duration: February 1st to 28th, 2025
Opening days and hours: Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm
Themed evening on February 20th, 2025
Registration under the Link: https://langerdonnerstag.de/2025/designing-democracy
Additional appointments available upon request.
Initiator & Curator: Mansoureh Rahnama
Poster Design: Raban Ruddigkeit
Organizers: THINKUP Editions, T.U.C e.V.
About the Initiator
As a German-Iranian, Mansoureh Rahnama initiated the project to spark a public dialogue about the values of democracy. After more than two decades in Germany, she sees the country as more divided than ever. Inequality, injustice, infringements on freedom of speech, and discrimination against people with migrant backgrounds drive her to speak about the democratic principles that originally inspired her to live and work here. »DEMOGRAZIE – Designing Democracy« aims to reinforce these principles and bring creative solutions to light.
We thank Mehdi Mahdian and Barbara Lewall for their active contribution to the project
A collaborative project with the association THINKUP Connectivity e.V.
A heartfelt thank you to the DORTMUND KREATIV team for their strong support and for providing the gallery space as part of KOMMEN. BLEIBEN. GEHEN.
Special thanks also to our sponsor Sparkasse Dortmund and media partners, who quickly came on board and helped spread the message to the world.
For democracy. For all of us.