Do Your Own Thing is a full-length work of non-fiction from artist and musician RICHARD PHOENIX detailing his experiences of the best underground arts scene you’ve never heard of—Do Your Own Thing, a project run by learning disability arts organisation Heart n Soul. Looking at the transformative potential of working to support creative young people make the music and art they want to, this book contributes essential new voices, reflections and considerations to the established ideas of ‘Do It Yourself’ culture. Phoenix’s book, written with a disarming and idiosyncratic voice, asks what our often reductive understanding of DIY aesthetics might mean in light of questions about access, support and who gives permission to whom to make art, guiding us through the kind of project only spoken about in funding reports and transforming it into a polyphonic, collaborative and joyful work of art.
“A thoughtful meditation on how to shape and hold space with self-determination, a radical proposition in a moment where the framework of institutions is being reimagined and requires individual contributors to stand up, say something, do their own thing.” —Legacy Russell
“This book is hugely important, it offers a glimpse into a community and world and a way of thinking that would benefit everyone.” —Robyn Steward
“A firsthand account of how the spirit of punk—its freedoms as well as its anxious energy—can help make meaningful art and true friends.” —Jeremy Atherton Lin, author of Gay Bar
“A book which is both about and embodies sincerity, joy and creative freedom, Do Your Own Thing is moving, thoughtful, funny and, most importantly, inspiring. Beautiful chaos indeed.” —Will Ashon
“The most generous, liberating and perception-altering thing you’ll read this year.” —Emma Warren
“This is a book that continually addresses the no less important question of what and who is art for.”—Jeremy Deller
“Reading Do Your Own Thing filled me with joy for a place where imagination is encouraged, difference is celebrated, and everything is possible.”—Emily Stone, Project Curator National Gallery
“Do Your Own Thing is full of good ideas and real encounters which is what you want from art and life both! I’ve been thinking a lot about its lessons and recommending it to people. Thank you.”—Jesse Darling, Turner Prize Winner 2023
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