Australian Parliament House

The Illumination

Democracy! by Philip Bunting

Australian Parliament House presents Democracy! by Philip Bunting.

Philip is an Australian author and illustrator whose picture books encourage readers to playfully explore the edges of their understanding. His work has been published in over 40 countries and translated into almost as many languages. Inspired by Philip Bunting’s acclaimed book Democracy! – a playful, positive primer on people power – this Enlighten 2026 projection will transform the façade of Australian Parliament House into a vibrant celebration of democracy.

Through Bunting’s witty illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, the projection will bring big ideas to life in a way that’s fun and accessible to all. It reminds us that democracy isn’t just a system—it’s a living, shared story of responsibility and possibility, shaped by all of us.


The Artist

Philip Bunting is an author and illustrator, whose picture books deliberately encourage the reader to playfully poke around at the edges of their understanding. Philip’s books have been published in 40-something countries around the world, in almost as many languages. Philip’s work has received many accolades, including multiple Honours from the Children’s Book Council of Australia, making the list for the Kate Greenaway Medal, representing Australia at the IBBY Awards, and taking home the inaugural State Library of NSW Russell Prize for Humour Writing. Philip grew up in England’s Lake District and now lives with his young family on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.