Make Arts for a Better Life: A Guide for Working with Communities provides a ground-breaking model for arts advocacy. Drawing upon methods and theories from disciplines such as ethnomusicology, anthropology, folklore, community development, and communication studies, the Guide presents an in-depth approach to researching artistic practices within communities and to developing arts-based projects that address locally-defined needs. Through clear methodology, case studies from around the world, and sample activities, the Guide helps move readers from arts research to project development to project evaluation. Woven into the discussions are critical reflections on the concept of a "better life" and ethical issues in arts advocacy. Accessible writing and visual cues ensure that readers can easily locate sections which may be particularly pertinent to their work, whether based on types of arts (music, drama, dance, oral verbal arts, visual arts) or professional positions (educators, scholars, project leaders). For additional resources, readers can access an accompanying website offering methodology "cheat sheets," sample research documents, and suggestions for educators, scholars, and project leaders.

"In clear language and laudable book structure, Van Buren and Schrag propose a 7-step collaborative method for working with communities to address their own perceived needs. This book would be useful for all kinds of community workers, students, and professionals and the results far more satisfactory than top-down community projects." - Anthony Seeger, Distinguished Professor of Ethnomusicology, Emeritus, UCLA

"Building on a growing body of works and practices that (re)assert the centrality of community in living arts, Schrag and Van Buren pull together an impressive array of thoughts and experiences. The result is an invaluable tool for researchers and facilitators to carefully design, execute and evaluate arts projects in the global complexities of 21st century communities." - Huib Schippers, Director/Curator Folkways Recordings, Smithsonian Institution