Letter to Europe

A message of hope and encouragement to all 751 Members of the European Parliament.

systems of governance
challenge

If we consider Europe as a continuous design project, how can we encourage people, both citizens and elected officials, to contribute creatively to the future of the European Union?

impact

Installation within the We Are Societal Impact exhibition during DDW19. Follow-up in January 2020 in the form of a crowdfunding campaign and regular social media updates.

designers

  • foundation we are

    • partners

    • designers

  • foundation we are

    • With a letter of trust and hope, addressed to each of the 751 elected ‘designers’ of Europe, We Are welcomed the newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEP) into office.

    “On May 23/25/26, 2019, you were entrusted by your people to build a Europe that embodies their hopes and dreams. Over the next five years you will have the honour and responsibility to justify this trust. Without a doubt, this will be a daunting task that will require you to be wise, creative and flexible.

    Indeed, you will need to consider yourself a legislative designer, as every action and decision you take will inadvertently impact the formation of the EU and the lives of currently 513.5 million people. Over the next five years you will implement distinct techniques in the conceptualisation, creation and communication of legislation. You will not forget that Europe is a project, founded on a simple concept – fostering peace, prosperity and equality across the continent.”

     

    Image

    “On May 23/25/26, 2019, you were entrusted by your people to build a Europe that embodies their hopes and dreams. Over the next five years you will have the honour and responsibility to justify this trust. Without a doubt, this will be a daunting task that will require you to be wise, creative and flexible.

    Indeed, you will need to consider yourself a legislative designer, as every action and decision you take will inadvertently impact the formation of the EU and the lives of currently 513.5 million people. Over the next five years you will implement distinct techniques in the conceptualisation, creation and communication of legislation. You will not forget that Europe is a project, founded on a simple concept – fostering peace, prosperity and equality across the continent.”

     

    With a letter of trust and hope, addressed to each of the 751 elected ‘designers’ of Europe, We Are welcomed the newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEP) into office.

    Democracy and design

    The Letter to Europe installation invited visitors to DDW19 to help send off all 751 letters. The project’s aim was twofold: the installation demonstrated the approachability of representatives and showed visitors an easy way to get involved in democracy. On the other hand, the individually addressed letters reminded all MEPs that their daily work involves the continuous designing of Europe, and advocated for the value and impact of design for governmental systems.

    The foundation of Europe

    Foundation We Are considers the ongoing unrest concerning the functioning and existence of the EU as a sign that the European project needs to keep re-designing itself. The immense European project can only be successful when effectuated in close collaboration with all parties involved. In fact, Foundation We Are, which is also founded on the power of collaboration, wouldn’t exist without the presence of the EU. 

    Signed, sealed, delivered

    More than a quarter of the letters were stamped during DDW19. In January 2020, using Brexit as momentum, We Are set up a fundraiser campaign to finance the sending of the remaining 549 letters. The letters to all MEPs of the UK had been sent a week before Brexit to make sure they receive one as well.

    Listen to the letter

    The letter is available to be read online and was also read by Kornelia Dimitrova and recorded by Hannah van Luttervelt (listen to the complete letter on YouTube or SoundCloud).

    Featured image for “US: Care”

    Can we connect digital audiences with a physical location?

    Connecting people and engaging audiences, online and on-site.

    Featured image for “Reconstructing the Classroom”

    How can we reconstruct an inclusive learning environment?

    A design thinking game to reshape the domain of education.

    Featured image for “Fishing for Futures”

    How can design show children a brighter future?

    A game to show kids a different future than prostitution or violence.

    Featured image for “I Defend Rights”

    How can people be connected with the stories of human rights defenders

    An exhibition using the perspectives of human rights defenders to engage people

    Featured image for “Politics of representation”

    What can design do to solve intercultural misunderstanding?

    A proposal for an traveling exhibition showing cultural heritage in Sudan.