Leonardo da Vinci, self-portrait
by Sofia Ramirez
Leonardo da Vinci was perhaps one of the world’s most ingenious and creative people – not only a painter, but he was also an inventor, writer, mathematician, engineer and scientist. Though most famously known for the Mona Lisa, da Vinci symbolizes our distinct human capacity to create, to be truly innovative, and to think in balance. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the start of World Creativity and Innovation Week (
WCIW) falls on Da Vinci’s birthday, April 15th.
Torontonians can proudly claim the birthplace of World Creativity and Innovation Week. In May 2001, The National Post ran an article entitled “Canada in Creativity Crisis: Study“, which argued that a report released by the National Research Council showed that Canada did not foster a creative culture which nurtured and rewarded originality and innovation. Marci Segal, Canada’s creativity specialist, felt that the article missed the big picture. What is important isn’t who is more creative, but in what ways individuals are creative. In collaboration with John Sedgwick, Paul Rousseau and Jacynthe Bedard, Segal organized a global celebration of creativity and innovation they named World Creativity and Innovation Day. The event was launched in Toronto on April 21, 2001. Now extended for a full week, this event is celebrated in 46 countries worldwide.
Creativity is the capacity to evaluate, express or solve problems in new ways. This is distinct from imagination, which is the ability to conceive of new things (we can all spend hours dreaming the day away). Creativity is about actually doing what you envision.
Promoting an agenda of creativity is still novel in our Canadian culture. We are used to maintaining the status quo, with few Canadian organizations promoting true innovation and it seems that we are just warming up to the idea of recognizing our artists (thanks Stephen Harper). It might be said, that this approach is what lead us to our current mess,
Our saving formula would be to take a mirror-written-page out of one of da Vinci’s books and encourage the production of things that hold true meaning in our world: art, inspiration and ideas.
Creativity and innovation are our only genuine commodities.
For WCIW details and to register for these events, please visit: www.creativityday.ca.
Wednesday, April 15, 7pm: Living Like Leonardo, Art Gallery of Ontario – Learn how to bring some of da Vinci’s creativity into your own life. Discover Da Vinci’s 7 Principles to Creativity and how art can help kick start new ideas. Walking tour of the Centre for Contemporary Art included.
Thursday, April 16, 7pm: Admit it, You’re Creative, Centre for Social Innovation – There’s creativity in everyone! Find yours by joining Nellie Jacobs, Internet radio personality, artist and best selling author with special guests Marla Lukofsky (stand-up comedienne), Michel Neray (Chief Differential Officer of The Essential Message) and Michele Mele (songwriter/performer).
Saturday, April 18, 1pm:
plunkett macleane free download Mindcamp “Idea Tasting”, Verity Club – Need a creative spark? Looking for your next great idea? Want a fun intelligent afternoon out? “Idea Tasting”, presented by Mindcamp, is just like a wine tasting, except here you’ll sample a unique collection of workshops with some of the best creativity leaders in North America. Suggested $20 donation.
Tuesday, April 21, dawn to dusk: Share Your Creativity Story – To celebrate the official World Creativity and Innovation Day, share your own creativity and innovation story with the people you work with, live with and play with in conversation – either face-to-face or online at our wiki: http://www.worldcreativity.pbwiki.com/.