Work Package 4 (WP4), led by Platoniq Foundation, focuses on Digital Cultures, exploring how local cultural contexts influence the use and inclusiveness of digital platforms. We aim to bridge the gap between digital technologies and diverse communities, fostering greater participation in democratic processes.

 

Our core objectives are to:

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• Enhance digital participation: include everyone, especially marginalized communities, in co-creating democratic digital spaces, both locally and across Europe.

• Develop culturally sensitive approaches: develop and test inclusive online deliberation models that respect and reflect diverse cultural values and norms.

• Explore data-driven empowerment (with WP5): investigate how data visualization and narratives can empower participants and strengthen the link between participatory practices and representative democracy.

 

Our key activities include:

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1. Researching "political" user experiences: analysing how online participation platforms interact with urban environments and intersecting with different forms of political expression.

2. Developing cultural strategies for citizen engagement: designing and testing cultural strategies and tools, including a co-designed deliberation board game, to foster inclusive citizen dialogues and deliberation.

3. Priming citizen engagement: experimenting with and analysing methods for motivating and supporting citizen participation, particularly focusing on gamification and addressing social inequalities.

4. Creating a "Digital Safe(r) Spaces Playbook": This practical guide will support organizers of participatory digital democracy projects in planning, assessment, and ethical implementation.

 

Our approach is grounded in:

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Collaboration: We work closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure our strategies are relevant and effective.

 Innovation: We embrace creative approaches, such as gamification and artistic interventions, to enhance participation and engagement.

 Social justice: We are committed to promoting equity and inclusion, ensuring that digital platforms serve the needs of all citizens.

 

About Platoniq Foundation:

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Platoniq brings extensive experience in engaging marginalized communities and leveraging digital platforms for cultural heritage access. Our diverse team of artists, political scientists, philosophers, programmers, communicators, and analysts is united by the belief that empowering citizens with democratic tools is essential for a more equitable future. Learn more about us at platoniq.