• That's the thing about the future's work and foresight work is you need a very broad range of thinkers. You need people from different perspectives who speak different languages and who recognize different worldviews. I think that's always why artists will be important in that process, because they are not necessarily coming from sort of mainstream culture. They may be immersed, raised in mainstream culture, but they're often trying to say, hey, there are other ways of seeing the world, and there are other ways of responding to the world that we're in right now.

I first met Zan Chandler in 1999 when we were both starting work at the Canada Council for the Arts running arts programs. I’ve kept in touch with Zan over the years and have followed her career as an arts educator and expert in foresight. 

I’ve always been fascinated with various forms of futuring so I was happy when Zan clarified, for example, the difference between forecasting and foresight. We also talked about foresight into the future of the arts and how the arts can help us anticipate better futures. 

Zan’s journey in the arts and foresight fields began with her background in linguistics, shifting to arts through photography and film, leading to work at the Department of Canadian Heritage on arts and film policy and now at Policy Horizons Canada. 

During our conversation Zan notes that artists are good at sensing societal shifts and addressing various forms of injustices.  Our conversation explored the potential of art and artists in foresight work, such as storytelling and emotional connections. 

Zan suggests that the inclusion of artists in foresight work can help challenge our assumptions and introduce new and valuable perspectives.

We also talked about the impact of COVID: 

• While I might have been a little doom and gloom about what happened during COVID and how devastating some of the impacts were on the arts community, I think one thing that came through strongly for me was how the innate need to create together, regardless of what the context was, remained. And we have so many examples of the creative sector coming together to raise spirits and to create in ways, in new ways.

My takeaway, if not my prognosis, is that we need to be prepared for multiple outcomes while remaining open and actively working on new possibilities. Zan reminds us that:

• That's the idea around foresight. If you imagine that it's possible, you've at least started to think about : what do I have to do if this happens and how do I recognize that it might be beginning to happen.

If you are interested in exploring ways of being and perceiving that likely different to what you were exposed to in school and at work, Zan recommends the following books as a good start:

• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World by Tyson Yunkaporta
• The work of Gabor Mate and Bessel van der Kolk

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Sections (generated by AI and reviewed by Claude Schryer)

Introduction to the Podcast
The podcast kicks off with a warm welcome to Zan, highlighting her long-standing connection and the intent to explore the intersection of arts and foresight.

Zan’s Journey into Arts and Foresight
Zan shares their unique background, detailing their unexpected journey from linguistics to the arts and eventually into the foresight field, shaped by their experiences in Canada and abroad.

Understanding Foresight vs. Forecasting
The conversation delves into the distinctions between forecasting and foresight, emphasizing the importance of recognizing multiple possible futures rather than predicting a singular outcome.

The Arts as a Form of Foresight
Zan discusses the role of the arts in anticipating future social and technological changes, citing Marshall McLuhan’s insights on how art acts as an early warning system for societal shifts.

Balancing Hope and Reality
The discussion shifts to the challenges posed by climate change and societal trends, exploring how to maintain a positive outlook amidst overwhelming negative information.

The Role of Technology and Spirituality
Zan reflects on the intersection of technology and spirituality in addressing future challenges, considering how a broader interpretation of technology can influence our survival.

Ancestral Knowledge and Connection to the Planet
The conversation highlights the importance of ancestral knowledge and the need to reconnect with our roots and the planet, emphasizing how this connection can inform foresight practices.

The Interconnectedness of History and Future
Zan and Claude discuss how understanding history is crucial for anticipating future changes, noting that many current issues are rooted in long-standing historical processes.

Empowering Artists Through Foresight
In this chapter, the discussion revolves around how everyday artists can leverage foresight methodologies to enhance their creative practices and navigate post-COVID challenges. The importance of understanding cultural and historical contexts in foresight is emphasized as a means for artists to feel more engaged in their work.

Artists as Natural Foresight Practitioners
The conversation highlights how artists inherently possess skills relevant to foresight, such as making connections and responding to societal changes. The speakers advocate for artists to recognize their unique contributions and consider integrating foresight methodologies into their practices.

The Role of Assumptions in Foresight
This chapter delves into the significance of questioning assumptions within foresight work, particularly in policy contexts related to the arts. The speakers discuss how assumptions about touring and audience engagement were challenged during the pandemic, prompting a reevaluation of the art sector’s future.

Adapting to Change: Lessons from COVID-19
Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, the speakers discuss how the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in the arts sector’s assumptions about gathering and touring. They explore the resilience of artists and the potential for innovative adaptations in response to ongoing global challenges.

The Arts in Times of Crisis
The discussion shifts towards the vital role of the arts during crises, emphasizing how storytelling and creativity can foster community resilience. The speakers look forward to exploring historical and future perspectives on the arts’ contributions in challenging times.

Creativity Amidst Constraints
This chapter celebrates the arts’ ability to thrive under constraints, showcasing examples of global collaborations that emerged during the pandemic. The speakers highlight the enduring importance of artistic expression as a means of connection and commentary on societal issues.

Foresight Beyond Human Perspectives
The conversation emphasizes the need for foresight practices to consider more than just human interests, advocating for a broader perspective that includes the planet and other species. The speakers reflect on the historical roots of foresight and the potential for cultural foresighting to shape a more inclusive future.

Recommended Reads

In the final chapter, Zan shares her recent reading recommendations.

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END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). It’s my way to give back and be present.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and it's francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I publish a Substack newsletter called ‘a calm presence' which are 'short, practical essays about collapse acceptance, adaptation, response and art’. To subscribe (free of charge) see https://acalmpresence.substack.com. You'll also find a podcast version of each a calm presence posting on Substack or one your favorite podcast player.

Also, please note that a complete transcript of conscient podcast and balado conscient episodes from season 1 to 4 is available on the web version of this site (not available on podcast apps) here: https://conscient-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes.

Your feedback is always welcome at claude@conscient.ca and/or on conscient podcast social media: Facebook, X, Instagram or Linkedin. 

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of pr