Emily Perkins, a renowned author known for her novels Lioness, The Forrests, and Novel About My Wife, recently gave a speech emphasizing the importance of ‘radical wildness and imagination’. This was part of a nationwide event series called ‘All in for Arts’, organized by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and Creative New Zealand.
Perkins shared her journey from being an avid reader as a child to becoming an award-winning writer. She expressed her love for books, which she said stimulated her imagination and helped her understand her feelings. Perkins believes books not only provide comfort and escape but also expose readers to harsh realities like grief, loss, and survival.
She credits her high school, which prioritized arts, and her free tertiary education for her success as an artist. Perkins also acknowledged the importance of access, education, and financial support in building a career in the arts.
Perkins addressed the current global challenges such as war, genocide, and climate disaster, and stressed the need for radical imagination to navigate these difficult times. She believes that arts and creativity are essential for a full life and should be a regular part of everyone’s life.
She also highlighted the struggle of artists to make a living, despite their talent and dedication. Perkins called for more support from organizations like Creative New Zealand and the Arts Foundation, and advocated for a Universal Basic Income to ensure equal access to the arts.
Perkins also shared her observations from a reality survival show called Alone, noting that the most successful contestants are often the most creative ones. She concluded her speech by emphasizing the urgent need for creativity in the face of the world’s current challenges.
The ‘All in for Arts’ event series is a joint effort by The Arts Foundation and Creative New Zealand.
