Art-Based Methods with Citizens in Housing Needs - Actions for Social Integration in a Backsliding democracy

In backsliding democracies, not only are institutions for democratic operations undermined, but opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making are also diminished. In Hungary, citizen participation has been declining; however, since 2019, there has been an increase in participatory processes within local governments in Budapest. We are seeing the emergence and even institutionalisation of important processes that apply participatory democratic tools, such as participatory budgeting and citizens' assemblies. Despite these advancements, many citizens may be excluded from these opportunities due to a participation gap, making it difficult for disadvantaged groups to have a voice, often only able to express their views through representatives or support organisations. This paper introduces a participatory action research (PAR) that is being conducted in Budapest 8th district to identify strategies for emancipatory change together with citizens who have serious housing needs. The process formed a group of residents of Kőbányai út 22 making them capable of articulating their needs and communicating them to the main stakeholders at the local governmental level. Our preliminary findings indicate that social innovation practitioners can thrive even in unfavourable conditions by creating new networks and collaborating with various stakeholders.