Abstract

Are we educating people out of their creativity? (or other options per attached abstract)

Author(s)

Tania de Jong AM -Creativity Australia

One of the greatest challenges we face today is overcoming the barriers to stimulating creativity and innovation. We need to create opportunities for individuals and communities to connect with one another in new and meaningful ways. The barriers are ever present. We interact with boxes/screens instead of with one another.  Creative participation offers important tools to teach people how to think and therefore act differently.

Creativity is not a unique talent.

Music and creativity programs are being used in many different ways around the world to unite communities of people, as well as to raise individual self-esteem and self-efficacy and develop a host of leadership and resilience skills. International research has proven that participation in music, and especially singing, improves mental and physical health and wellbeing for people of all ages and helps to unleash potential.

So why do we still educate children a little to the left? Creativity is just as important a skill for life and work as numeracy and literacy. In today's fragmented world we need to help people get out of their "pigeon holes" and connect into the right side of their brain. This will lead to a host of benefits including greater communication skills, wellbeing, innovation and increased productivity.