The Compassionate Imagination: How the Arts Are Central to a Functioning Democracy

by Max Wyman

A radical reimagining of the role of art and culture in contemporary democracy, The Compassionate Imagination proposes a new Canadian Cultural Contract that re-humanizes our way of living together by tapping into the instincts for generosity and compassion that find their expression in art. Over the last forty years, the arts have been increasingly deemed unimportant to the creation of an educated workforce. Reflecting a broadly held political view that in a market-based economy the arts were “a frill,” they were deemed “unnecessary” courses compared to sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But what kind of Canada might we make if we were to place art and culture at the heart of our mutual decision-making, and return the arts to a central position in our education, shifting to steam rather than stem? What might be possible if we integrate the creative imagination into our responses to the great social challenges we face? What impact would it have on the future shape of our democracy? It’s time to find where the Compassionate Imagination can take us.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2023

About the author

--studied piano and theory as a youth and began his career in journalism with the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph at 14
--worked 1960-7 as an editor, arts critic, and feature writer for London newspapers and magazines
--Moved to Vancouver, B.C., Canada in 1967
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Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

“[C]hange on the scale the world needs now, in the manner we need now, won’t happen until we ratchet down the anger and the fear, dismantle the barriers between us, and find again that middle ground of generosity and shared humanity where we can come together to imagine a better, more inclusive, more humane society. […] Art lets us sense the pulse of human commonality that throbs beneath the surface of our days. It tells us that difference is not something to fear. It fosters fellow-feeling and engenders compassion. It cuts through the wall of ego and privilege that we allow to separate us from our better selves. It puts us back in touch with the empathy, decency, and care I believe we were born with.”

This essay made me pause and take notes on every page. It reminded me why choosing a career in the arts is a vital contribution to humanity—how creativity, compassion, and imagination serve as medicine for our broken system. It affirmed the view of “art and culture as the humanizing core of Canadian civil society and an essential public service,” emphasizing how art should be embedded in public policy due to its “unique and deeply human properties of imaginative exploration and emotional and spiritual enrichment.” The conviction with which Wyman speaks about the arts’ capacity to facilitate a shared sense of humanity and interconnectedness is deeply inspiring. I got chills several times, and hope bloomed inside me as bright as the sun.

The proposed “framework of advocacy and argument on which to build a new Canadian Cultural Contract” is idealistic, but also grounded in a deep understanding of government, culture, education, and the arts. It’s packed with references and resources collected over 50 years of experience, drawing on Wyman’s rich background as an Officer of the Order of Canada, a former member of the Canada Council for the Arts, and a past President of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. It’s also surprisingly accessible, presenting straightforward arguments that are intellectual, pragmatic, radical, and egalitarian.

It shifted my deeply held beliefs about the value of the arts in society, which I’ve struggled to hold as highly as STEM. It was exactly the perspective I needed when I found it.

[Brinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book, however I both have not read many non-fiction book and had already had this books mindset.

Not having read many non fiction book, I don’t know how well this would hold up against well established ones of the genre. But that doesn’t really matter in this context because the message is what’s important. Like I previously stated, I already had a “pro arts” or “we need more arts in schools” mentality so I knew going into this book I wouldn’t have many major problems. I was basically just reaffirming my own beliefs by reading this but who cares!

Wyman lays out thoughtful and well researched arguments in a very straightforward manner with a nice little recap (Coda) at the end-very helpful for a novice like me. Being Canadian myself I really enjoyed the inside look at what portion of our government funds are being allocated to arts and I’m always happy to support a fellow Canadian! Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who (like me) has noticed a slow decrease in even the discussion of the arts and a steady increase in acclaim for the STEM careers.

I would just like to add, as someone in science, that I am all in favour of STEAM over STEM.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Definitely a thoughtful piece and has given me something to sit on and think about for a while. Wyman not only gives insightful detail into Canada's history with the arts, but proposes interesting policies that would integrate the arts into all aspects of Canadian life. Definitely worth the read.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended by my book club and I'm happy to have read it. Lots of interesting and relevant information about the importance of 'the arts' but in the end a book about the need for people to have the opportunity to express themselves and be valued for it.