CREATIVITY CAN BE THE KEY by Greg Campbell
HOW DO WE MEASURE the value of our society? One major factor is its creative capacity – not just in art or textiles, but in buildings, innovations and learning. Today there’s a growing focus on the future, but what can our past tell us? History not only shows the creativity of great civilisations with their imposing structures left as a lasting legacy, such as the pyramids or the parthenon, but it also shows salutary lessons like Easter Island and the end of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia that suffered greatly from diminishing resources due to over-population, poor foresight and resource management. While we may strive to attain our personal
enlightenment, it may also be prudent to consider the legacy of our current civilisation and strive to make positive additions to the collective heritage to ensure long-term prosperity. Protecting our global civilisation and advancing to a desirable future requires a significant effort from all people in every industry, but none more so than the creative industry. A recent creative think tank forming part
of the International Vivid Sydney ‘Light, Music & Ideas’, brought together a wealth of capacity to discuss the best directions for creativity. What evolved was quite enlightening. The NSW government has identified the creative industry as one of several key areas to redevelop the economy. They expect it to be a key driver in the growth of exports, productivity, innovation and competitiveness over the next decade, while realising the economic value of the new super fast broadband network. This is defined to include architectural services, town planning, interior and landscape design; creative, visual arts and design such as fashion, graphic, industrial design and photography; music and performing arts; publishing and electronic games; broadcast media, advertising and marketing.
Creativity is the major component of all these
fields that makes them so special. It’s the spark that goes beyond the ordinary of just organising the material parts and seeing the usual, by wanting to do more than before that is exciting. Australia’s growing and ageing population
is likely to have a greater desire for creative product in all these areas. Additionally, the creative industry is capable of developing beyond the known of today into an incredible tomorrow. Few would have believed only ten years ago the transformations – just in digital communication via the internet – that we are experiencing today, and creative minds are working right now on what will be next. Participating in this explosion of creativity
can be a bit daunting. However, our feedback and interaction will be significant driving factors for its development and refinement. So you are fully encouraged to be critical and expect the best that’s ever been produced to drive it in the direction that is best for us all. Everyone is advancing in sophistication by practice and exposure to technology. As this is increasingly being shared globally, leveraging possibilities also grow. With good experience in several creative
fields, I’m eagerly anticipating what creativity has in store for us to enjoy and to interact with for our future, one that will be an amazing legacy for the generations of tomorrow to build upon.
For a video of Vivid Sydney, taken by the author, please go to
livingnow.com.au. Also there are relevant links at the foot of the online version of this article.
july 2012 07
Light projections and interactive sculptures at Vivid Sydney ‘Light, Music & Ideas’ festival. Pic ©2012
Greg.Campbell.DesignOz
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