By amalia deloney
In our first exploration of the lessons the U.S. Foresight Office (FOF) can learn from the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture (USDAC), we touched on the power of imagination, the importance of a people-centered approach, and the integration of arts and culture in creating a more futures-focused world. These elements are crucial, but as we delve deeper into the practices of the USDAC, we uncover even more profound insights that can help to inform the potential U.S. Federal Office of Foresight.
This second installment in the series draws from conversations with Caron Atlas (Atlas), a member of the USDAC National Cabinet and Director of Arts & Democracy, and Jordan Seaberry (Seaberry), Co-Director of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, and Assistant Professor at Rhode Island School of Design, to bring our discussion to a thoughtful conclusion.
Beyond Bureaucracy: Embracing Creativity and Imagination
Atlas offers a candid critique of traditional government offices, which often get bogged down in bureaucracy, prioritizing the status quo over meaningful change.
"So often when I think of government offices, I think of things that are bureaucracy built to support the status quo," Atlas notes. This is where the USDAC’s approach offers a refreshing divergence; "Let’s not bog ourselves down. Recognize we all have creativity and imagination, and if we can sit down together to dream, we’ll come up with something better than just rearranging what we already have."
This insight is crucial for the U.S. Foresight Office to internalize. Rather than merely adjusting existing structures, the FOF should aspire to create entirely new frameworks that allow for more innovative and transformative outcomes. The USDAC’s approach demonstrates that by embracing a culture of creativity and imagination, organizations can transcend the limitations of traditional bureaucratic thinking and truly innovate. This shift from maintaining the status quo to proactively envisioning new possibilities is what can set the FOF apart.
The Power of Creative Collaboration
Both Atlas and Seaberry emphasize the importance of integrating creativity with strategy—a combination that is often viewed as paradoxical. However, this fusion is not only possible but necessary for meaningful progress.
"The way we are going to move ahead is to combine our creativity and strategy," Atlas says. This concept is not just theoretical; the USDAC’s National Cabinet puts it into practice by bringing together brilliant, grounded individuals who are committed to dreaming and creating collectively.
Seaberry reinforces this by describing the USDAC as a space where artists, creatives, and culture bearers come together not just to brainstorm, but to cultivate a "credible vision for a different future." This vision is more than a collection of ideas; it is an “actionable blueprint for how society can rearrange itself politically through creative practice.”
For the FOF, this means not only envisioning possible futures but also actively laying the groundwork for those futures through a combination of creative and strategic actions. By fostering a collaborative environment that merges these elements, the FOF can better anticipate and shape the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, ensuring that foresight is not just a theoretical exercise but a practical tool for societal transformation.
Cultivating a New Relationship to Power
One of the most striking aspects of the USDAC’s methodology is its relationship to power. Seaberry points out that the USDAC is not simply advocating for the creation of a federal office; instead, it is “prefiguring the work that such an agency could inherit.” This approach reflects a profound understanding of how to engage with power creatively and playfully, rather than relying on conventional methods of advocacy. "It’s rare to meet people who are really committed to major social transformation," Seaberry observes, highlighting the unique dedication and vision that unite the USDAC team.
For the U.S. Foresight Office, adopting a similar stance could mean redefining how power is exercised and shared within government. By engaging with communities and stakeholders in ways that are both imaginative and inclusive, the FOF can build a foundation for future policies and practices that are genuinely transformative. This approach not only democratizes the process of foresight but also ensures that the futures being envisioned are reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of society.
Conclusion: A Credible Vision for a Different Future
From embracing creativity and imagination to fostering collaboration and reimagining the role of power, the lessons from the USDAC provide a roadmap for how the FOF can operate in a way that is both innovative and impactful.
The USDAC’s success lies not just in its ability to dream of a different future but in its commitment to creating the conditions for that future to emerge. As the U.S. Foresight Office moves forward, it should strive to cultivate a similar commitment, using the power of foresight to build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society. By doing so, the FOF can not only anticipate future challenges but actively shape a future that serves all U.S. residents, and the world.
© amalia deloney, 2024
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