S22 Ep5: Artist, Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA: Guardian of the Arts — why art makes people powerful

Why does art make children and society powerful? Why should creativity be a right and not a privilege? In this episode, Holly is joined by the extraordinary Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA — artist, activist, educator and passionate advocate for the power of the arts. Together, they explore why creativity matters now more than ever, especially for the next generation. From growing up in an artistic household, to painting powerful slogans like All Schools Should Be Art Schools and Art Makes Children Powerful, Bob shares the personal stories, political moments and joyful philosophies that have shaped his life’s work. Holly speaks to Bob about creativity being fundamental for all, how he believes art teachers are in fact, human rights workers and why everyday actions — from cooking to parenting — might actually be more creative than we realise. Bob also explains how his brilliant project, The Superpower of Looking, is a tool for teaching kids and adults to slow down and truly see the world around them. So whether you think of yourself as being creative or not, this conversation might just make you look at life a little differently and realise that art belongs to everyone.

You can listen to S22 Ep5: Artist, Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA: Guardian of the Arts — why art makes people powerful online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

S22 Ep5: Artist, Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA: Guardian of the Arts — why art makes people powerful is an episode from Conversations of Inspiration.

This episode is 74:54 long.

This episode was published on Jul 7, 2025.

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