Sheffield-made People's Palace of Possibility full of ideas about our future democracy

The Bare Project set up the immersive arts experience, inspired by their live show of the same name after their national tour fell victim to the lockdown.

The company didn’t want the project to disappear, believing its themes of change and democracy are vital.

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Artistic director Malaika Cunningham said: “Audience members become Palace Citizens, tasked with radically re-imagining the world. How could things be different? Do you feel more hope than fear, or more fear than hope? Why?

"If COVID-19 and its ramifications have shown us profound negative change, what might profound positive change look like?”

Participants will receive a series of letters and parcels which will tell a story, unfurl the mysteries of the Palace, invite tiny acts of resistance and provide opportunities to contribute to the Palace Archive.

The story involves digital interaction, although there is an alternative told through the telephone for people without internet access. It is completely free.

The company are looking for 120 people to take part in Sheffield, Doncaster and Deptford in London.

If you are interested in becoming a Palace Citizen and you have a Sheffield or Doncaster postcode, email [email protected] for more information.

The project is able to go ahead thanks to emergency funding from Arts Council England. The Bare Project is made up of freelancers surviving project to project.

The funding has supported nine local artists and a Hallam University intern with paid work over the summer.​​​​​​

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