Over the past seven days, we’ve seen at close quarters the role of protest in our society. On one hand, we’ve seen the nasty, violent and hateful side of it; fuelled by civil disruption and aimed at generating fear and chaos. On the other, we’ve seen the counter-reaction led by a passionate, calm and inclusive expression of hope and love.

Technically both are attempting to give voice to values, ideas and beliefs. But one of them is designed to be constructive whilst the other is bent on destruction. On one level, it may appear a simple task to make a judgement call on which is acceptable and which is not. We have the law to do that.

The UK is no stranger to civil unrest, particularly in the summer months – who wants to riot in the winter, right? However, here and now, there are some real, dark and dangerous currents that run through these Islands - and whilst some of these are being used as instruments for world views and belief systems driven by hate and division, there are genuine, long-standing and intractable issues that have gripped this country for some time: austerity, exclusion, isolation, disenfranchisement, the lack of social mobility, the under-investment in public services and infrastructure. It would be wise to acknowledge these concerns as they are no longer just undercurrents. They have come to the surface. So, what do we need to do now?

This is a good moment to start rolling out a Manifesto from Art of Protest for making Britain whole. It is based on the work we’ve done throughout the heartlands of the North, tackling the levelling-up and regeneration agenda following decades of economic neglect. We feel well qualified to offer this up. It may seem alarmingly simple. It is supposed to be. Otherwise, no one will bother and it won’t work. More about this will be revealed in the coming months – but for now, here is our take on how we can be better together than divided.

Why wait for politicians?

We all have it within our grasp to make a difference. Now. We all have a role to play in Place Making and Community Building. We are all responsible for creating Pride in Place and contributing, volunteering, sponsoring to champion our community's needs and delivering real change in any small or big way we can. We saw some of this emerge during the pandemic. But that seemed to evaporate along with the last round of COVID jabs. What happened? Back to business as usual? We don’t need to wait for some local or national government or institutions to give us permission to make change happen. (And even if we did, it would probably be a pretty lame and unimaginative one-size-fits-all initiative!) Instead, we should collaborate, organise, plan, create, celebrate. It only takes imagination and conviction to take some action. Anyone can lead; we can all follow.

Who cares wins

Community trumps nationalism. A nation is an artificial construct defined by territorial and economic interests. You may be told these are your interests - but we all know that’s not always true. Instead, your community is real. It is a living, breathing entity that you can see, feel, touch and consume on a daily basis. But do we really care about our neighbours? Do we look out for them? Older folks will tell you that back in the day there wasn’t anything else. People didn’t travel, they couldn’t afford to and they certainly didn’t have social media to distract them from the physical and emotional responsibilities of their families, friends, workmates and neighbours. Perhaps we need to pay more attention to these - rather than to virtual constructs over which we have no control, no influence and zero tangible return to look forward to. Be more in your community. Listen to their voices; understand their fears and concerns; reflect on them and your privilege; imagine how you could make a difference; act on your instincts.

Make education enlighten people, not just tick boxes

We need a radical overhaul of our education system which isn’t a slave to wrote learning and targets - but instead offers independent thought and wonderment. Particularly ensuring that those most excluded, disadvantaged and shortchanged by the system are enabled to extract equal benefits to everyone else. We’re talking Pupil Premium, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the excluded. Our antidote to the current status quo is the widespread introduction of Creative Learning which seeks to ensure everyone has the faculties to find their voice and use it; to collaborate and create; to self-reflect and solve problems; and to develop self-esteem and confidence. We need to encourage and maintain curiosity in our youth. They need to learn about other cultures by engaging and talking to them – not by watching TikTok or following on X. Cultural confidence in who you are is the key to self-actualisation and happiness. Not STEM.

Back yourself

It has become easy for any of us to give up on hope and give in to fear. The state of the climate. The insecurity of peace. The self-interest of politicians. The scramble for resources. It can be hard to see what difference any of us might be able to make. It suits the system for us to feel helpless. It suits demagogues who claim to act on our behalf. But the greatest power we have is to believe in ourselves, our ideas and our values. Our voice is important. Learn how to use it. Shouting is OK - it might get heard but the human ear is more inclined to listen to something a little less imposing. We need to learn to express our vision and ideas. Learn how to return the compliment and collaborate. Believe you do have something to offer. And offer it gladly. For example: kindness is limitless and it’s free.

On the surface, this Manifesto may not seem like it adds up to much. And that’s the point - it’s not about a balance sheet or an inventory. It’s not a stock pile of weapons or a bulging campaign fund. It’s built on actualising the human qualities we already have and increasing capacity and capability where we do not. It’s founded on the belief that everyone matters and everyone has something to offer. It’s this enlightenment that will aid the recovery of our country’s identity and value. Not the Spring budget or COP 28.

Follow Art of Protest as we roll out our Manifesto. Reach out if you want to engage, participate or learn more about how we are trying to revolutionise society - one spray can at a time.

The Art of Protest – A Manifesto for Being Better Together