Nov 24, 2023
Max Wyman’s most recent book, “The Compassionate Imagination: How the Arts are Central to a Functioning Democracy” serves as an invitation to consider what might be possible, not if, but when we embrace culture, and creative imagination at the core of what it means to be a member of a thriving, growing, curious, healthy and functioning society. Wyman who worked as an arts critic and columnist for The Vancouver Sun and CBC Radio for over 30 years is the author of 7 books on the arts in Canada. He has served on the board of the Canada Council for the Arts and as President of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, is an officer of the Order of Canada and holds the Queen’s 25th, 50th and 60th Jubilee Medals.
Considered “a timely book that expertly shows how the arts contribute to human flourishing in all its manifestations” by Anne Bamford the Strategic Director of Education, Culture and Skills for the City of London. From its announcement at being named a finalist for the 2023 Basillie Prize in Public Policy, the jury called the book “a profound and beautifully written examination” in which “Wyman offers deep insights into how and why arts and cultural funding is vital to safeguarding Canada’s present and future.” And finally, from Angela Elster, President and CEO of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, “At a time when our world is in crisis, this stellar book brings clear vision and strategy. The Compassionate Imagination presents a beacon of hope.” Hope: An image that matched perfectly how I felt upon finishing the book myself.