Brian Schrag and his ethnomusicologist colleague, Kathleen Van Buren, published a new book through Oxford University Press, Make Arts for a Better Life. This volume uses an interdisciplinary foundation involving ethnomusicology, anthropology, community development, folklore, and communication studies to present the process of arts advocacy in any community with any art form. It fleshes out the methodologies developed by Brian Schrag and taught in the World Arts program at Dallas International University. The book also features many case studies, discussion on ethical and practical issues related to applied work, and a number of other topics such as copyright issues, tourism, and defining “good.”
This invaluable resource documents cutting edge, tested ways of helping communities use their arts to meet their own needs. It is filled with arts advocacy methods, real-life examples of this kind of work worldwide, and sample activities leading readers to practice what they learn. Make Arts for a Better Life is complemented by a website that offers a wealth of free, downloadable resources for ethnoarts educators, scholars, and project leaders alike: http://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780190878283 Make Arts for a Better Life is available for purchase here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/make-arts-for-a-better-life-9780190878283 Brian and Kathleen hope this resource will be helpful to you as you serve communities by engaging in arts advocacy!
