Season 2, Ep 11: Should art and politics mix?

The reMAKERs

Ah, fiction. Just when you think you’ve had enough of the real world, here comes our refuge. Our imagination and joy. Our space to play and safely try on bold ideas, delve into our pain, recover our humanity; laugh, cry and walk in each other’s shoes.

Recently inspired by some great guest interviews, Millie and Lily are back to talk about the arts, the stories that have shaped them, and whether art and government/power should mix at all, or keep firmly to their separate corners.

Millie tells us all about the “Practical Utopias” fellowship she’s doing with Margaret Atwood at the moment, while Lily admits to some embarrassing film and tv loves. (Post-script: she can’t believe she forgot to mention The West Wing!)

It’s a chat about reMAKING, for storytellers and lovers of story everywhere.

What are the stories that have shaped you, and what are the stories you think humanity needs to be telling next? Why do stories about how the world can be better often read like government reports (‘boring and bossy’), or are we getting better? Leave your comments on social media or get in touch via email/voicemail — details below.

SHOW NOTES

Things we mention

Failed Utopias and why Margaret Atwood started the Practical Utopias fellowship

Cargo ships of the future, powered by wind turbines

Nashulai: The First Maasai Conservancy

Taboo — the company on a mission to end period poverty

Mushroom burial suit, water burial

The Australian government’s creation of SBS, the most diverse broadcaster in the world

The founder of the public relations (incorrectly referred as Freud’s cousin — it was his nephew, Edward Bernays)

Dr Wes Watkins, creator of the Jazz and Democracy project (coming up on our next episode, stay tuned)

Recommendations

Ted Lasso

Heartbreak High

Dateline (SBS on Demand): The World’s Happiest Country

Things you can do

Enjoy some art.

Make some art.

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Join the conversation. Find us on social media (@Australia reMADE), leave a message for the show by calling [phone], or email us at [e-mail].