Arlene Goldbard and François Matarasso talk about a remarkable book, Engineers of the Imagination: The Welfare State Handbook, first published in 1983 and still extremely influential.
In episode 50 of “A Culture of Possibility,” Arlene Goldbard and François Matarasso talk about a remarkable book, Engineers of the Imagination: The Welfare State Handbook.
First published in 1983, it’s both an account of a novel and exciting approach to community performance and a how-to manual for anyone who wants to use or adapt its tools and methods.
The book conveys the spirit and generosity of the British community arts movement during those years, and gives François and Arlene a good excuse to reminisce about the impact of this innovative and influential work in Europe and the U.S.s for the future.
You are invited to respond with comments and suggestions. What do you need from the podcast?
Engineers of the Imagination at the Welfare State site
Many used copies of this can be found at Bookfinder
Eyes on Stalks, John Fox’s personal account of Welfare State International
Dead Good Guides: John Fox and Sue Gill’s work after WSI
Welfare State International Archive at Bristol University
“For John Fox” by François Matarasso
English visionaries: William Blake
English visionaries: Samuel Palmer