The talk by Dr Helen Johnson, Principal Lecturer at School of Humanities and Social Science, and Co-Director of the Centre for Arts and Wellbeing will draw on extensive research and practical examples to question how simple creative practices can transform our daily lives at home, with family and in the community.
Dr Johnson will delve into core questions such as "What is creativity?" and "Who gets to decide what's creative?" This will explore the different ways creativity can be expressed and the value we assign to those expressions.
As a leading expert in the field of creativity and wellbeing, Dr Helen Johnson says: “Everyday creativity, unlike many common depictions of creativity, refocuses the lens on the mundane creative activities that we engage in our everyday lives; things like community choirs, knitting, fashion, gardening, and cake-making. These activities may not win awards or earn international fame, but they are nonetheless immensely powerful, meaningful, and valuable for their participants.
“Creativity is not just for artists or those in creative professions”, Dr Johnson says.
“Research shows that exploring our creative potential can boost our health and wellbeing; can help us connect to others and to nature, to learn and develop, and to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Everyday creativity truly demonstrates that creativity is for everyone, and that creative potential lies within us all.”
Dr Johnson’s talk Valuing Creativity takes place on 5 June and you are welcome to book a free place.
You can also listen to the Brains at the Bevy podcast.