Common Threads Uncommon People

Jennifer Williams 2005 ISBN 095147636X Centre for Creative Communities £12 [£15.59 inc p&p]
At the core of this book are powerful stories of public policy in action in diverse cultures – real social change brought about by visionaries involving, valuing and connecting people through creative activity.  The author explores - through a series of ten case study interviews with individuals who have had a profound impact on her thinking and development - exactly what it is that motivates and stimulates them.  Choreographers, artists, writers, journalists, actresses, educators – all finding ways of extending their creativity to improve the lives of others.  On a purely human interest level, the stories are compelling, revealing the key influences that shaped the values for each individual and motivated them to form their own approaches and processes to become ‘agents’ for change.  These ‘uncommon people’ carry a set of beliefs – the ‘common threads’ – that distill into creativity as a basic human need.  What makes these visionaries so effective is that they have developed ways of working with people that places at its core ‘encouraging all kinds of people to find meaning in their own lives.'
Jennifer Williams’ informed commentary draws out the key issues for ‘community visioning’ and celebrates the leadership qualities of ‘uncommon people’ and their role in enabling and empowering people.  

The key question is how to ‘make these uncommon acts of thoughtful ‘revolution’ part of the systems that educate, employ and inspire us.’  Or perhaps the reason why they are so effective is that they operate outside normal procedures and structures.

This book is a personal expression of the author’s own motivations and values – carried through into the illustrations and presentation.  It will be of interest to arts students, practitioners, managers and policy-makers – in fact, anyone who wants to understand more about the connections between creativity, learning and the human condition.

Review by Linda Ball, Training Manager, ETA (Empowering the Artist) www.eta-art.co.uk

SAM's Books compiles the Bookshop section of Arts Professional magazine, and used to compile Bookshop in its predecessor, Arts Business. This review has appeared in Arts Professional or Arts Business. It gives a longer and more personal description of the book than appears in the booklists.