As self-declared Artists in Residence for the US Government, The Institute for Wishful Thinking (IWT) believes that the community of artists and designers possesses untapped creative and conceptual resources that could be applied to solving social problems. Proposals are posted to the IWT website to generate interest and funding for a pilot version of the project—placing artists in residence with the agency or department of their choice.
Janet’s proposal seeks to address the discrepancy between policy makers and the people addressed by the policy. My idea comes from my many years of working in West Africa and thus is addressed first and foremost to the Department of State and others who work abroad. Experts and consultants are hired to solve local problems without adequate consultation with the local population. My residency would facilitate visits and home-stays in the local areas for the government representatives.
