2024

A YEAR OF WONDERVATION

Across arts, science and business, a collective sense of wonder is an indelible part of America's national identity.

That's why this year we begin a big, audacious, powerful thing together called CREATIVITY AMERICA!

CREATIVITY AMERICA is a neuroscience-inspired, brain skills initiative with one goal in mind — to fuel a 25% growth in America’s creative skills across all sectors within a decade.

CREATIVITY AMERICA is an investment in the currency of the future: the art + science of being human.

OUR WHY

CREATIVITY AMERICA

Bringing together wonder with innovation (Wondervation^TM), Creativity America stands at the crossroads of the ongoing, dynamic, triple transformations of environmental, technological, and cultural change calling for business leaders to deepen their understanding and strategic application of team-level creativity and the social wellbeing skills that unlock its potential in organizations.

What We Know:

Change as a Constant: Our collective experiences over the last decade confirm that change is not just inevitable but accelerating. This era is distinct in the rapidity and magnitude of change, influenced by global events like the World Trade Center attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events exemplify the dual nature of change - unifying and divisive - and underscore the need for organizations to adapt and innovate continuously.

Brain Science and Change: Our understanding of how the brain interprets change reveals that it's not just the external shifts but the internal psychological and emotional transitions that matter. This is particularly relevant in the context of organizational change, where traditional hierarchical structures are giving way to more networked and flat models.

Creativity as a Solution: Creativity emerges as the pivotal skill in navigating and leveraging change. It involves the synchronization of cognitive (head), emotional (heart), and practical (hands) aspects. The harmony of these elements within a group determines its creative output and capacity to innovate.

Learn More About Creativity America on Imaginator Academy

Wondervation Merges

Science, Arts, and Business

Into a Working Partnership

WONDERVATION IN

SCIENCE

Neuroscience-inspired research guides and validates the benefits of Social Brain Capital (creativity + social wellbeing), opening doors for transformation that enrich our understanding of the human side of innovation.

7 Steps for Igniting the Brain Capital Industrial Strategy

WONDERVATION IN

ARTS

Artists capture and elicit wonder, becoming a catalyst for societal development and reflection during times of transition.

Emerging Leadership Opportunities in America’s Nonprofit Arts Sector

WONDERVATION IN

BUSINESS

Industries provide a proven, actionable strategic pathway to uplift and scale innovation culture, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability. But, things are changing.

2024 Culture Futurist Trends Report

Throughout 2023, our journey in shaping Creativity America has been rich and expansive. Here's a little of what we heard and learned:

The need for transdisciplinary collaboration is more critical than ever.
The integration of artistic imagination with scientific rigor opens up groundbreaking possibilities.
There is growing recognition in the value of human-centric contemplative practices and emotion for enhancing technological capacities.
Entrepreneurial spirit combined with creative thinking is key to navigating future challenges.
The way innovation teams do "problem construction" is one of the most under-valued skill sets in cultures with a hyperfocus on solutions.

Our 2023 Discovery Sessions Included

At the Brain Capital Summit in Silicon Valley, where cutting-edge ideas converge.
In NYC, amidst the global dialogue of the UN General Assembly with the Brain Capital sessions, co-hosting a special creativity meeting with New York Public Radio.
During the Possibility Studies Conference in Dublin, exploring new frontiers.
In Denver at the U.S. State Department's Cities Summit of the Americas, holding wonder workshops focused on urban futures with city leaders.
At the American Psychological Association's Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., bringing together leaders from APA Div 10 and Americans for the Arts delving into arts-science innovation.
Co-hosting numerous sessions with the Brain Capital Alliance and the Euro-Mediterranean Economist Association based in Barcelona, expanding our international perspectives.

WHAT IF THE 'CREATIVE INDUSTRIES' WERE SEEN AS THE CRITICAL HUMAN EXPERIENCE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT BRIDGES ALL SECTORS TO THE FUTURE OF WORK?

Our year of discovery culminated spectacularly at Meow Wolf with our inaugural WonderWoot. This unique event was a bespoke “small batch” experience, a storytelling lab of courageous imagination blending the diverse perspectives of artists, scientists, contemplatives, and entrepreneurs. It was an act of culture futurism, a vivid demonstration of the creative synergy that defines our mission.

Reflections from WonderWoot participants:

I believe the future of our species hinges on our ability to delve deeper into the profound layers of our innate creativity. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of existence, our capacity to further unravel, explore, and leverage its complexities and power is imperative. Creativity America is focused on making this happen, ensuring a brighter horizon for our nation and all of humanity.

Torrie Allen, President & CEO, Arts Midwest & BOD Americans for the Arts

WonderWoot's strength is bringing people together who serve in different roles from different sectors toward the promise of creativity. This is a powerful start to working across silos to start asking the right questions as individuals and as a society to find holistic, integrated solutions.

Maryrose Flanigan, Executive Director at The Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities

It is high time that Americans recognize, value, and measure creativity in our places of work and the communities where we live. This is especially necessary in small towns where small businesses are the primary drivers of local economic activity. Creativity America is drawing a straight line from curiosity and awe to increased economic mobility and hope.

Brad Clark, Edelen Renewables, Director of Workforce Solutions

Imagine the last time you gave yourself permission to create something as an expression of yourself. Now imagine the joy and the impact that would occur if you were free to unlock that part of yourself at work. Imagine the problems that might be solved. This work is bringing us there.

Chelsea Rosty, Chief Of Staff · Denver Economic Development & Opportunity

We appreciate Creativity America's leadership and passion for promoting a deeper understanding of creativity and human wonder at a time of national attention on AI and preparing a future global workforce for innovation and change. Meow Wolf is happy to be a part of this effort.

Julie Heinrich, Chief Impact Officer, Meow Wolf

Creativity is not just a nice to have in the coming decade; it is the must have tool that teams and leadership need.

Mark Lion, Co-founder Lion Interactive & Messier

AREA ONE:

We are currently seeking organizational pilot partners in four priority areas for 2024 action:

Leaders interested in enhancing innovation ROI in corporate team environments through Social Brain Capital Development (Creativity + Social Wellbeing in Teams)
Ecosystem developers focused on entrepreneur/small business mental wellbeing and resilience
Tech-centric research labs needing to explore alternative approaches to "grand challenges" through industry-academia creative experimentation focused on human skill sets for creativity that are augmented by artificial intelligence.
Organizations exploring new ways to invest for human impact in innovation & and arts districts in cities.
Open call for other areas that we may not have thought of in our deliberations.

AREA TWO:

We are currently seeking experienced professionals from the arts and private sector industry for our national advisory council.

AREA THREE:

We are currently seeking funding partners interested in short-term activation towards long-term impact.

Send all inquiries to: imaginatorac@ucdenver.edu

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