Creative expression is deeply influenced by the written word in art and culture. Books have long served as a wellspring of inspiration and shaped the perspectives and practices of artists, curators, and cultural innovators. Whether it’s unlocking new ways of thinking, offering historical context, or encouraging self-reflection, books provide artists and culture experts with the tools to understand and express the world around them. We’ve gathered recommendations from leading voices in the art and culture space, highlighting the books that have had the most profound impact on their work and worldviews.
Table of Contents
Discover the Transformative Power of ‘Awe’
I would recommend “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Keltner. After reading this book, I looked at the world around me in a totally different way. I began to collaborate more with others and then curated the “NV AWE: Tiny Treasures” project, connecting artists within Nevada. This is truly a transformative book.
Candace Garlock, Professor of Art, Truckee Meadows Community College
Embrace ‘The Artist’s Way’
As a singer-songwriter who majored in theatre and then went to the William Esper Studio for acting, I read a lot of books (and was recommended a lot of books) about the creative field. It doesn’t feel fair to say this, because I haven’t actually finished it, but I’ve gotten so many nuggets of wisdom from it that I would 100% recommend it: “The Artist’s Way!”
I go on artist dates and plan to get back into morning pages, both rooted in principles from “The Artist’s Way.” This book isn’t easy, because it’s basically a mini-course. It requires commitment. And I bet any artist who you ask who knows of this book has great things to say about it—even if they haven’t finished it.
From the principles I’ve used from the book, it stimulates artist self-care from a perspective far removed from your boilerplate “Go for massages! Meditate!” self-care advice. It’s helped me have a deeper and more intentional understanding of what it takes to be an artist and what it means to nurture your artist.
Kira Violet, Singer-Songwriter, Content Creator, Violet Gaze
Understand Artmaking with ‘Art & Fear’
As an author and managing editor of a literary magazine, Abandon Journal, I take writing and art very seriously. This is why I recommend the book “Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking,” by David Bayles and Ted Orland, to anyone who is thinking about making art or being an artist. It’s realistic, interesting, sobering, and inspiring.
People sometimes make the mistake of thinking that art and writing are easy because it doesn’t mean someone is “working,” but the truth is that it is very much hard work, and this book helps to understand why.
Phillip Mandel, Owner, Mandel Marketing
Challenge Nonprofit Norms with ‘Uncharitable’
I preach the word of Dan Pallotta’s “Uncharitable” to anyone who will listen! A must-read for nonprofit executives, board members, donors, and community leaders, “Uncharitable” unpacks the systemic barriers we’ve placed on nonprofits in our country and examines how those barriers keep nonprofits from reaching their true impact potential.
The book calls for us to focus on a nonprofit’s impact, not its overhead, if we are to help solve societal problems. It explores how restrictions like low salaries, no R&D investment, lack of risk capital, and the focus on perceived morality (rather than a focus on changing the world) keep problems big and charity small.
As Pallotta said in his 2013 TED Talk: “You want to make $50 million selling violent video games to kids, go for it. We’ll put you on the cover of Wired magazine. But if you want to make half a million dollars trying to cure kids of malaria, you’re considered a parasite yourself.” It’s bold, it’s brave, it’s brazen; and sadly, still incredibly relevant to the nonprofit sector today, despite being written in 2008.
Vicki Landon, Administrator, Arts & Cultural Affairs, Orange County
About ‘What Experts Read’
In our unique series, ‘What Experts Read,’ discover the literary inspirations and must-reads of thought leaders and industry experts. Each article highlights the books that have impacted the viewpoints, tactics, and success of successful entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders in their respective areas.
Discover a wide range of sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, as professionals share their best book suggestions and talk about the significant influence these reads have had on their careers. Discover priceless information, expand your horizons, and gain insightful knowledge from experts at the forefront of their fields.
‘What Experts Read’ is an insightful look at the relationship between knowledge, experience, and the written word, and it may be of interest to anybody looking for motivation, strategic advice, or just to learn more about the reading preferences of prominent industry figures. Join us for this insightful tour of the most important leaders’ bookshelves of today.
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