The Book of Common Ground: Fairytales for a Polarised World is now available for purchase in hardback, marking the public release of a project that uses storytelling and illustration to encourage constructive dialogue on one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: political and cultural polarisation.

Developed by the Evens Foundation and AWE Studio, the book emerged from an intergenerational workshop held in the lead-up to the 2024 European elections. Participants explored how the tradition of the fairytale could help address polarising topics in ways that move beyond entrenched positions. The approach draws on Re-Imagine Europa’s R.E.F.R.A.M.E methodology, which applies psychology and semiotics to guide people toward more inclusive and solution-focused dialogue.

The narrative is brought to life by Dutch illustrator Clemens den Exter, whose work has been exhibited at MoMA in New York and in galleries across the Netherlands. His illustrations provide a visual entry point into the book’s central theme: finding common ground in divided times.

The book is intended for a broad audience, including policymakers, educators, civil society actors, and members of the public interested in new approaches to dialogue. By using story and image, it offers a space where readers can reflect on complex issues in a different way.

The hardback edition is available through the Are We Europe web shop and in-person at the launch event.

A digital version, along with information about the characters and the development process, is available at bookofcommonground.com.