Weekend Review: The Creative Instigator's Handbook

 

The Creative Instigator's Handbook / Leanne Prain
Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press, c2022. 
272 p.

This is a read that followed along with the last two books I reviewed in 2024. And it's my favourite one. This is the craftivism book I was looking for - with lots of case studies, photographs, and practical tips. So many practical tips! 

This is a softcover, kind of squarish, and nice to hold and read. It is so full of information, divided up into chapters that follow a logical progression. It goes from figuring out what drives you, to finding collaborators, to research, prototyping, executing, promoting, concluding and memorializing a project. Really from start to finish. Prain has a lot of experience doing public art projects and it shows. 

There are tons of examples and interviews included in each section, with many clear photos of the projects and participants. The originator shares how and why the project came to be and there are often sidebars with hints and tips. All through the book, the text blocks are in colour and the whole experience is bright and refreshing and encouraging. 

The projects are focused on public, participatory art projects, whether that's visual arts, theatrical or performing arts, craft based activities, or music. Not all of them are "Protest" art; while some are specific to social issues, while others are aimed at building community and connection. So there is a good mix of ideas here for many different kinds of projects. If you want to learn from experience, and have a great roadmap to follow if you are new to creating public art projects, this is the one to read. I loved it. 

Prain has written other books on craftivism, whether that's embroidery, yarn-bombing or textiles in general. They are all worth checking out as an introduction to different styles and practictioners. But this one is exactly what it says it is - a complete handbook for any creative instigator who needs a hand! (Preview here)