Their Challenge
In Paris on 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. Upon reaching the document’s 70th anniversary, questions were raised about its relevance to young people today. MFTWA and CAN aimed to raise awareness about the fundamental framework of rights, and encourage younger generations to participate in the process, both as a means to reflect on these rights and celebrate these landmark rights through the lens of young people.
The DrawHistory team was tasked to help ideate, design and reimagine this document with multiple stakeholders, from community creatives to June Oscar AO, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.
Our Strategy
Using community arts practice, facilitated through workshops with Youth Leaders at Edmund Rice Centre WA and CAN, the Declaration was brought to life through the eyes of young people. Together, they explored what the rights were, how they affect us, and their relevance to young people through photography and art. The result was a youth-led Pocket Guide, successfully transforming the 70-year-old document into a contemporary creative form, accompanied by a series of grassroots-driven posters. This was launched leading up to and at a three-day event in Yagan Square, a cultural hub in downtown Perth.
Over the course of the event, the area was activated through workshops, pop-up creative areas, and talks. By working together, the project has become a celebration of history’s intentions, our universal humanity, and a reminder of hope.