David Byrne: Im able to talk in a social group now not retreat into a corner

Utopia, for Byrne, is not a particular place or system but an aspiration. Its more about our yearning for something better, he says. We keep asking ourselves: is there another way to live or is this the only way? Did we have to end up like this or could it have been different?

He could be talking about his art. Its a long way from supporting the Ramones to writing a disco opera about Imelda Marcos, but Byrnes philosophy has been remarkably consistent. What he cherished about punk four decades ago was the DIY aspect. Anyone can do it, he says. It was very inclusive in that way. He found the same DIY spirit at the Mudd Club, the early 80s New York hangout where you could find Byrne and Blondie, Basquiat and Warhol, Ginsberg and Burroughs. Youve got an idea? Youve got something you want to try? Why not? Hes still asking.

Global reasons to be cheerful

By David Byrne

1. Healing the divide
Georgetown is one of Texass most conservative suburbs, but gets all its electricity from renewable sources. Its mayor, Dale Ross, a Republican in what is considered oil country, made a decision in 2015. He ignored party orthodoxy and did what was best for his constituents. That folks can think rationally and ignore partisan dogmas, on both sides, is hugely encouraging.

2. Norway prison reform
Most countries prison systems are failures the rate of recidivism is abysmal. But Norway seems to have figured out a successful solution. Their incarceration rate is 75 per 100,000 people, compared to 707 per 100,000 in the US. The crime rate is lower, but part of the reason its lower is because they focus on genuine reform, not just punishment. The rate at which inmates end up back in prison is 20% in Norway, versus 76.6% in the US. At Halden Prison there are no bars on the windows, they have full kitchens (knives included) and lots of job and vocational training. Theres even a recording studio. So whatever theyre doing, its working.

3. Bike sharing has conquered the world
Not only does it feel good to ride, but cycling relieves automobile congestion, its good for business, it doesnt pollute, its healthy and it expands the mental maps of residents and Ive found its often the fastest way to get around. Cities all over the world have adopted similar systems to the French Vlib system, and now some Chinese companies are introducing stationless systems.

4. Knock-on effects of culture
We in the arts and humanities often complain that our work is undervalued, at least in terms of being beneficial to society compared to the Stem disciplines. Finally we have some proof, and the effects are somewhat unexpected. A recent study by the Social Impact of the Arts Project at the University of Pennsylvania showed that when libraries and other cultural institutions are placed in the boroughs around New York, there are surprising knock-on effects:

a. The kids test scores go up
b. Spousal abuse goes down
c. Obesity goes down
d. The crime rate goes down

Things that might seem to be unrelated are actually connected. To lower crime, maybe we dont need more prisons or stiffer sentencing; part of the solution might be to build a library.