This remarkable publication by François Matarasso (2019) provides a reflection on the field of participatory arts and its benefits, drawing on over four decades of international work. It should be essential reading for all concerned with the value of the arts for health and wellbeing. Matarasso addresses important conceptual and definitional issues and explores the key concerns of participatory arts to increase access to the arts and create opportunities for people to come together across social divisions. Matarasso provides a detailed historical narrative of the roots of participatory arts and its various transformations over the last half century or more, and considers what the future holds.