*This article was originally written in 2007 and published in the Comox Valley Record local newspaper:
In 2007 I was asked to write about my thoughts on “what is culture” and culture and creativity as it related to the community I live in, the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. And I do believe, that as you read, you can likely apply some of it to the community that you live in?
So, here is some of what I wrote:
The Comox Valley is an incredible place. We have a culture which is experiencing an influx. We have a diversity of high caliber talent, an intensity and passion for developing creative talent, and (at the time of this 2007 writing) a higher density of creative talent, per capita, than anywhere in Canada. If we take the opportunity and run with it, I believe we have a chance to foster a culture of economic creativity, built on inclusiveness, kindness, acceptance and encouragement for the expression of individuality.
It is no accident that the Comox Valley has been chosen as one of the 2007 Cultural Capitals of Canada. The visual arts, dance, writing, theatre, music, film and festivals are a strong and powerful force, bringing together locals, and visitors from afar. Recreation, sport, agriculture and creative and sustainable food solutions abound.
Through a combination of the Creative and Expressive Arts plus science, technology, nature, sports, the outdoors and agriculture, Creativity can flourish for everyone, and benefit everyone in our culture. Include everyone in this, and creativity is not only for the elite artist or for only the select few, like an Olympic Arts athlete. Creativity can be applied to daily, practical life, for everyone to take part in.
The culture of a community can encourage creativity through common beliefs, attitudes, ideas and values, which encourage individual expression and inclusiveness. This requires us to be tolerant and accepting of differences. With creativity, we must believe that things are possible, that it is possible to reach goals and to live dreams.
“Every single person, without exception, is creative”
-brenda johima-
Therefore, if we as a culture believe that all people are creative, then this is what we will get to benefit from. Given the chance, everyone can participate in a rich, and vibrant society, and a culture which fosters creative thinking in an open environment in which it can and will flourish.
Creativity is the one way in which every single person can can participate in their own unique way, and add to the fabric of a community, given a chance to be heard, and with the encouragement to be included.
We all have great ideas! However, did you know that many people will only offer their ideas and solutions to problems, when they feel comfortable and safe to do so? Did you know that amongst all the Comox Valley Creatives, that there are equal numbers of people who do not believe that they are even creative at all? Without an accepting culture, only a few powerful and loud voices will be heard, and we do not benefit from the richness of a diversity of ideas, innovation and solutions. Value creativity and ideas, and our culture changes. People come to life. Communities prosper and thrive.
The culture of a workplace or business can be one which values and encourages diversity and encourages creativity. Creativity can include everyone in a culture, regardless of income, race, age or education level. Our Comox Valley culture is a mix of combinations of cultures, trying to come to some level of equilibrium.
Creativity, Innovation and Culture, is available to every age group. With the continued expansion and rapid growth of the Comox Valley, our culture is rapidly changing. Progress equals change, and that requires sustainable, innovative and creative solutions for everything, from protecting the environment, to job creation and education, to the development of common values and goals which will enrich the experience of living together in our beautiful and ideal, desired-by-the-rest-of-the-world, paradise location.
Your Local Creativity Coach,
- brenda johima -
