TL:DR
One of my oldest and wisest friends told me last night that yesterday’s post was confused and hard to follow. It’s a mistake I’ve made before, so I’ve revised it and added this summary. (I tried to do too many things in it.)
- One was to explain that I’m taking time away from work; being freelance means worrying that clients will not return if you’re not available, so this was by way of saying that, all being well, it’s a temporary break.
- I muddled that by saying two more things, which would have been better kept to other posts.
- The first is that when I do come back I’m going to focus on writing and co-creation projects.
- The other is that I’m closing all my websites except this one, so if you currently get updates from another site, please subscribe to this one.
And if that wasn’t complicated enough, I hinted at new concerns in my work. I have rewritten and simplified the post so I hope it’s clearer. Sorry for any confusion; normal service will be resumed in time.
SOME NEWS
For several months, I’ve been unwell. Following a period where I could not give of my best, despite huge personal investment, I’m taking a break from work, for how long I can’t say. When I come back, it will be to focus on A Selfless Art and co-creation—writing and making art with others, what I have always loved doing. I have written my last evaluation report, my last policy document, my last conference speech.*
I value deeply the freedoms my work has brought me (an awareness that drives A Selfless Art)—but my thinking was formed in another time. Generations growing up in worlds I scarcely understand have different needs. All this year, I have been thinking about what I do, why and who for, and I’m convinced that must change. I have new sense of urgency, for myself and world. The little I can still do is what concerns me now.
THIS IS MY ONLY WEBSITE (for now)
Over the years I’ve used several websites, relating to different aspects of my work. They are all now closed except this one. When I can, I will update this site by adding some past work—mostly publications. I believed what I wrote when I wrote it. Mostly, I still do. If I think it still has value—even just historical—it will gradually find its way here. This site will become an archive for work from my other sites (especially ‘Regular Marvels’ and ‘Parliament of Dreams’). If you can’t find something you need, please just get in touch.
Many people subscribe to updates from my other sites: those mailing lists are now closed. If you already subscribe to ‘A Restless Art’, you will continue to get each post by email. If not, you can use the box below to join the mailing list.
WHAT’S NEXT?
When I began thinking about ‘A Selfless Art’, I’d originally thought this site would be its home. After all, each book needs the other, hence the similarity of their titles. One is yin to the other’s yang. But as my thinking has evolved, it does not sit comfortably with work that is 20 or 30 years old. I want another future—not for myself (at this age, it’s unwise to count on any particular future) but for the younger generations, for those who face the challenge of caring for this wonderful home we share with so many others.
So next year,, I might create a new website for A Selfless Art. But I only make promises I know I can keep, so we’ll see what happens. That’s a reasonable way of imagining the future,
Some people commented on the previous version, which I’m always grateful for, and so since those are gone with the post, I’ve added them below:
“So sorry to hear you are unwell. Sending strong healing vibes through the airwaves.” – Cinzia
“Sorry to hear you are ill. Always I admire you and your work and words and wisdom. I share and advocate your sense of purpose and will be happy to continue to read what I find is extraordinary vision, kindness and understanding. I hear you all the way on the arts. But because of you, I also believe in its strength, you have given me much guidance in your work and in people. Thank you for that. For me you are a huge important voice, say it just how it is and I continue to read and re-read your words. That hall of people is out there listening and beyond because you do say such powerful things. Thank you.” – Griselda
“Thank you Francois. This is not only a powerful personal statement, but also a reminder that for all artists who drift or move consciously into some sort of organisation / management / producing role, at some point there comes a time to say ‘I am first and foremost an artist.” – Philip
François Matarasso 
3 responses to “Imagining a future (revised)”
Hi Francois
We met briefly some years ago after your presentation at ACW’s AGM in Cardiff. I was greatly impressed with what you had said and we had a brief conversation about a project I had started called ‘Wales Palestine- creative exchange’ (WaPace). I am now 75 and my 8th grandchild has just been born – with more to come, I expect – leaving me momentarily with the realisation that I probably won’t be see them into adulthood. But I am writing to say I disagree with your statement: ‘only fools count on any kind of future’. I am still working (I’m an architect), I volunteer on our local Independent Monitoring Board for Swansea prison, I look forward to re-learning to play the flute, WaPace has just completed its latest iteration with funding from WAI, I chain and chop wood to heat our little wooden home and plan to install an air-source heat pump if I can afford to do so. My point only is that, as a non-religious person, when I die is when I will have no future. In the meantime, I hope to stay engaged and relevant. So will you, I’m sure.
Jonathan Arndell, Swansea
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Thank you Jonathan, I remember our meeting well. I’ve also heeded your advice, remembering that, according to Rebecca Solnit, what unites optimists and pessimists is the mistaken idea that they know what the future holds. I’ve changed the post.
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Hello Francois,
This held so much resonance for me. I am hoping that you can recover from your health issues and have some time to recoup and repair.
Sending all my best wishes for the season and a hopeful New Year,
Lucy
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