Podcast – the increasing need for creativity

My recent discussion with Theatre Royal Plymouth’s CEO James Mackenzie-Blackman included a debate about the increasing need for creativity, which contrasts somewhat with government’s focus on science and, most recently, maths education.

Whilst science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) remains important, there is much debate about the skills we need in light of the advance of AI and computing power. This debate echoes a phrase recently emphasised by Arts University Plymouth that “the world needs creatives now more than ever”.

In a rapidly changing and complex global landscape, I view creativity as playing an increasing crucial role in solving problems, driving innovation, and fostering positive change. This is also reinforced by recent posts in LinkedIn by Tom Goodwin, who emphasise that the current ‘new toys’ such as ChatGPT and Bard are actually driven by averaging their input (the parts of the internet that have been used to train them).

Whilst these tools are impressive in the right circumstances they remain a long way off generating true creativity. Even they agree – the below is the list of advantages of true creatives generated by ChatGPT itself:

Innovation and Adaptation: Creatives have the ability to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas. They can envision new possibilities and find innovative solutions to challenges. As technology advances and industries evolve, creative individuals can help organisations adapt and thrive in the face of change.

Problem Solving: Complex problems require creative approaches. Creatives can analyse issues from different angles, challenge assumptions, and propose unique solutions. Their ability to think critically and creatively allows them to tackle problems in unconventional ways, often leading to breakthroughs and advancements.

Communication and Connection: Creatives excel in expressing ideas, emotions, and concepts in compelling and relatable ways. In a world where effective communication is vital, creatives help bridge gaps, foster understanding, and connect people across cultures and backgrounds. They have the power to evoke emotions, raise awareness, and drive social change through various forms of art, design, storytelling, and media.

Human-Centred Design: With an increasing emphasis on user experience and human-centred design, creatives are crucial in creating products, services, and experiences that meet people’s needs and preferences. By considering the end-users in the design process, creatives can craft solutions that are intuitive, engaging, and impactful.

Cultural and Social Impact: Creatives play a significant role in shaping culture and society. They reflect, challenge, and influence societal norms, values, and beliefs through their work. Artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and other creatives have the power to inspire, provoke thought, and promote positive change by addressing important issues and fostering dialogue.

Creatives bring a unique set of skills and perspectives that are essential in today’s world. They have the capacity to drive innovation, solve complex problems, facilitate effective communication, and make a positive impact on culture and society. Their contributions are invaluable in navigating the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing global landscape.