The power of creativity and being part of a creative community for groups and individuals who come together to share their artistic passions and talents, shouldn’t be underestimated. It can have a profound effect on our well-being and not only that, it can be a memorable and empowering moment in child’s life which can ensure creativity will be valued in modern business, as a skill set that is needed and sadly lacking in many businesses today. A survey conducted by the Creativity Crisis Report found that 85% of educators believe that creativity is a key skill that needs to be developed in students, and 88% of employers believe that creativity is important to their business success.
As a sponsor of the Walk of Art in Horsforth 2023, this weekend, now in its 9th year, I believe creative communities have a profound effect on our well-being and attitudes to life with one of the most significant benefits of being part of a creative community is the sense of belonging that it provides. When we engage with others who share our interests and passions, we feel a sense of connection and validation that can be hard to find elsewhere. This sense of belonging is essential for our mental health and allows everyone to express themselves.
Another benefit of creative communities is the opportunity for personal growth and development. When we surround ourselves with individuals who are passionate about their craft, we are exposed to new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. This exposure can inspire us to try new things and push ourselves out of our comfort zones. Additionally, receiving feedback and constructive criticism from other members of the community can help us improve our skills and reach new levels of expertise.
Perhaps most importantly, creative communities provide a space for self-expression and emotional release. Artistic expression has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, as it allows us to process and communicate complex emotions in a safe and healthy way. By sharing our creations with others, we not only gain valuable feedback and support, but we also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in our work.
Communities don’t have to be ‘local’ they can be a movement on a global scale. The common denominator is their ability to include everyone, inspire anyone and foster a movement that has the super power to create real world change for the better, for happier healthier lives.
Do you have a creative community in your workplace? Do you foster creative thoughts and expressions in a safe space? Creativity isn’t just arts and crafts, it can be translated the process of thinking creatively which anyone can do in the right space. It simply requires time and resources and you need to ensure that employees have the necessary tools, technologies and resources to support them and develop their skills. Some big barriers to creativity are a lack of time and resources, fear of failure, excessive bureaucracy and a risk-averse culture.
Why is creativity so important to driving real impact for a better business? Well, by promoting a culture that values and nurtures creative thinking, you can unlock the full potential of your employees and drive innovation and success in today’s dynamic business environment. Moreover, a culture of creative thinking can attract and retain top talent. Creative individuals are often drawn to organisations that value and encourage their innovative ideas and thinking style. By fostering a creative culture, businesses can create an environment that nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration and diversity of thought.
And finally, The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, creativity will become one of the top three most important skills for people, as it is seen as a critical factor in driving economic growth and competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
So whilst I prepare to take my daughter on the Walk of Art this weekend, where do you get your creative thoughts and energy from to tackle the knotty challenges life and work throw at you. And if you need any help with starting to embed a creative culture and thinking into your business or you want to unstick a business challenge why not try a different way of thinking and call in a creative consultant to help.
