THE CREATIVITY REVOLUTION. A shift in how we understand and support human development
Artwork by Francesca Ciaudano (c)
We are entering into a new era of human development. The old way of thinking and living is changing and change is moving at a pace unknown in human history. In this context why it is fundamental to reframe the perception most people have of creativity and art? Cause most of us have it wrong and we are missing on untapped potential.
New research shows us how art improves our brain's ability to deal with stress, anxiety and depression and help us feel more positive about ourselves. Art can also help us feel more connected to others through shared experiences, which can improve our relationships (and overall health). Art promotes neuroplasticity and connectivity by promoting positive emotions such as joy, laughter or awe—all of which activate the reward center of the brain that increases dopamine production (the feeling good hormone) while decreasing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in your body.
The Creativity Revolution is an exciting new way to shift what we believe about creativity; recognizing, understanding and supporting the development of the human mind and health through the use of art.
What does neuroscience say about art and the brain?
The brain is a complex organ. We are just starting to understand the impact of engaging with art on our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Despite the field of research being relatively new, there is a significant amount of research in the field of neuroscience that has investigated the relationship between art and the brain.
Some of the main findings of how art can impact us include:
Art can elicit strong emotional responses in people, which can be linked to activity in the brain's limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus
It helps processing emotions as it can be cathartic and improve self-understanding. It can also drive innovation and sense of hope thanks to the ability of imagining different outcomes
Viewing and creating art can also activate the brain's "default mode network," which is associated with self-reflection and introspection
It can hence improve communication skills as it helps fostering self-expression
Artistic activities, such as drawing and painting, can lead to changes in brain function and structure, particularly in the areas responsible for visual-spatial skills and fine motor control
There is evidence that art can have a range of effects on the brain, including improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive function
By participating in creative activities, you can naturally boost the levels of cortisol. Studies suggests that art is valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias. Some study showed it is as effective as taking an antidepressant because it naturally boosts the immune system and the benefits last longer.
Overall, neuroscience suggests that art has the potential to influence brain function and shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in meaningful ways.
The research is just at the beginning, but what we have should be already enough to grasp the transformational impact a Creativity Revolution can have on our health, wellbeing, and human development.
Creativity is a human need
We are all creative. Creativity is a human need, fundamental to our development as individuals and societies. It's also one of the most important qualities for success in any field.
It's not just about drawing pictures or writing stories: creativity is the engine that drives innovation, problem-solving, and meaningful work—and it’s essential to all industries today.
The ability to think outside of the box has always been key in any field; but now more than ever before, businesses need their employees' creativity in order to stay competitive in global markets and attract top talent.
“Those who do not engage in the traditional arts might be wary of calling themselves artists. They might perceive creativity as something extraordinary…A calling for the special few who are born with these giFts.
Fortunately, this is not the case.
Creativity is not a rare ability. It is not difficult to access. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright. And it’s for all of us”
Rick Rubin
Beyond that, it’s an innate need (and it has always been for all humans in all historical eras across continents). Creativity allows us to express who we are and what matters to us the most. It helps us connect with others, find meaning in life, and make the world a better place. In other words: creativity is fundamental to our development as individuals and societies.
It’s the rhythm that moves and produces everything around us.
It’s life being true to itself.
And that’s one of the main reasons why I believe art heals people. Creative expression is the way to reclaim, remember, reactive our inner essence. To be free to express who we truly are. Like an apple tree is making apples, and not trying to produce pears.
Beyond the cultural and societal boundaries, we have learnt to comply with.
Beyond the limitations that those boundaries have shaped in our imagination. Beyond the form our life has taken because of that.
Just beyond.
Back into ourselves.
Do we have it wrong believing that creativity is “a nice skill to have”?
Abstract - 2023. Francesca Ciaudano
Creativity has always been at the basis for human expression: to sustain self-realization, to raise self-esteem, to increase community bonds, and to create a better society. However, it is still widely perceived as a talent only few possess (e.g. the artist, the writer, the entrepreneur, the singer, etc) and as a hobby for the less talented others.
Creativity is not a "nice" optional component of human development, but a human need. Thousands of years of our history should be enough to validate the role given, since the beginning of the times, to art. Moreover, today science is proving that we are hardwired to creativity. It’s our way to respond to challenges so as to survive, get along and thrive.
However, even though we are born creative, we are taught out of it. Affecting not only our wellbeing but our potential to flourish.
“Imagination is the preview of the life you can build. Creativity, the act to bring it to life.”
Francesca Ciaudano
It’s time to relook at the meaning we give to creativity and how we embed art in our lives.
· Creativity is not just about making things look pretty or writing poetry. It’s not a practice that defines a group of people doing an activity labeled as “creative”. It’s not owned, nor gifted to a few lucky ones. It's about how we think, learn and solve problems. It’s about who we are.
· Art is not just for artists or art-lover —it exists everywhere and is for everyone who wants to be happy and successful in their lives (whether they know it or not).
A new paradigm, art as a positive force for health and wellbeing
We have seen that the brain is wired to be creative. It’s how we were built to survive as humans and it’s our greatest asset today as we face the challenges of mental health, climate change and environmental degradation.
We are living in a time of great change, where we are beginning to redefine what we understand art and how we measure its impact on our lives. This new understanding will help us better support the health, wellbeing and happiness of people.
Conclusion
The Creative Revolution is happening all around us. It’s a shift in how we understand and measure human development, but also a shift in how we see ourselves and the role that art has into this. We’re beginning to realize that creativity is not just something nice for people who like art or music; it’s essential for our survival as a species. Without creativity, humans will be at risk of stagnation as our brains lose their ability to stay nimble and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances.
In the coming years, creativity and art will become interconnected more and more with other fields, from science to business to wellness, driving individual and collective flourishing.
The time is now to go beyond. Back into ourselves. To consider creativity as a true super power that we can all tap into to thrive individually, and as a group.
