Four decades of making, accompanying and researching community art in around 40 countries have culminated in these reflections on “How participation won and why it matters” by François Matarasso. Based on interviews with artists and visiting participatory art projects, A Restless Art looks at how community and participatory art has evolved over the past 50 years, charting its history from its roots to today.
François Matarasso views participatory art as a democratic space to discover, understand and share experiences and to analyse and interpret it in contemporary practice, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of this restless art, where professionals and non-professionals cross different territories, disciplines, borders and concepts. “A stimulating yet at times challenging adventure”, says the author of writing this book, stating that “it is a kind of dialogue between current practice and past experience, between today’s artists and those of my generation, between emerging ideas and tested ones”.
The book discusses the significance of participatory art in empowering communities and individuals through shared experiences and commitment. It highlights the challenges faced by participatory artists, such as underpayment and lack of resources, emphasising the need for fair funding and support. The text calls for a shift in the arts funding system to better recognise and protect artists and participants, advocating for fair pay, coverage of core costs, and adequate resources for project development.
Overall, the document stresses the importance of participatory art in promoting democratic action, tolerance, and human rights, urging institutions to take action to support and normalise participatory art practices for a more inclusive and creative cultural landscape.
