Past Institute lectures

Art, Imagination and Public Service

Our beliefs, perceptions and feelings determine the way we see the world and how we respond to it. They sit underneath our decisions and actions, influencing them even as we seek to apply reason and rationality to all we do. They are subtle policy drivers.

Art and imagination speak to our inner selves more powerfully than evidence and analysis, so would a dialogue with the arts help policy makers? Would it usefully soften an overly utilitarian approach to public service, or would it only undermine tried and tested ways of working, replacing them with nothing constructive?

Videos

One People Oration: Faith at the Heart of Nations? Reflections on the future of church and state

The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, and Paul Baumann, Receiver General, Westminster Abbey

Westminster Dialogue: Envisioning Justice the painter and the judge

Hughie O'Donoghue, artist, and Baroness Hale, President of the Supreme Court

Westminster Dialogue: Bureaucracy should be beautiful: the musician and the permanent secretary

James O'Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey, and Clare Moriarty, Permanent Secretary for the Department for Exiting the European Union

Westminster Dialogue: Ruling from the Heart: The Poet and the Cabinet Minister

Micheal O’Siadhail, poet, and Lord Blunkett, former Cabinet Minister

Audio