Theatre Collection Welfare State International

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
• Bay Tales
• Longline

Such projects always encouraged the involvement of the local people.

Since the disbanding of Welfare State International in Apirl 2006, two of its co-founders, John Fox and Sue Gill have gone on to form Dead Good Guides, to carry on the work, undertaking rights of passage ceremonies as well as producing books and installations. More information can be found on their website.

Other Useful Sites
Welfare State International
Dead Good Guides
Venacular Kitchen
The National Community Archive and Database