Welfare State International (WSI) was a company of artists who performed celebratory spectacle events across Britain and abroad. Founded in 1968 by John Fox the group was based at The Ellers in Ulverston, Cumbria, where it also fulfilled an extensive educational and training role.
WSI specialised in site specific performances and ritual celebrations, including namings, weddings and funerals, and many of its events featured firework displays, lantern processions, puppetry and music.
Its objective was to bring creative performances and installations to local communities. WSI projects included:
- A three-year residency in Barrow in Furness
- The 'Raising of the Titanic' in London
- Ulverston Carnival and Charter Week Celebrations including an annual lantern procession
- Making a crocodile for part of a Thomas de Quincey exhibition at the Wordsworth Trust
- Participation in Expo 86 in Vancouver
Such projects always encouraged the involvement of the local people.
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