While creativity comes naturally to some people, it\u2019s also a skill that can be developed and practised.<\/p>\n
Starting this month, the Brock LINC \u2014 Brock University\u2019s centre for creativity, innovation, research and entrepreneurship \u2014 is offering several events and workshops centred around developing a creative mindset.<\/p>\n
\u201cCreativity can be a big, polarizing term. People are very quick to say, \u2018I\u2019m not creative,\u2019 or think creativity is a trait only artistic people have,\u201d says Farzana Crocco, Executive Director of the Brock LINC. \u201cBut creativity is really about how we generate new ideas, and this is something that everyone can develop.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new events and workshops, which fall under three categories, are designed to help people explore new skills and technologies, new ways of thinking, and to hone their problem-solving abilities. The categories include:<\/p>\n
Creativity and problem-solving <\/strong><\/p>\n Two new workshop series will focus on creativity and problem-solving skill development. The Everyday Creative Mind<\/a> explores how creativity concepts and skills can be incorporated into everyday life, while Introduction to Design Thinking<\/a> examines the five stages of the design thinking process and how it can be used by everyone.<\/p>\n Creativity and technology <\/strong><\/p>\n Creativity through making, design and technology is the focus of workshops delivered through the Brock University Library Makerspace<\/a>, including introductions to 3D modelling, podcasting, laser cutting, Cricut, and more. Workshops through the Brock Library\u2019s Digital Scholarship Lab<\/a> help to demystify digital tools for data management and visualization, including workshops on PowerBI, Github, Python and Tableau, among others.<\/p>\n Creativity and taking breaks <\/strong><\/p>\n Some of the upcoming events at the Brock LINC, such as bullet journaling<\/a>, coffee cupping<\/a> and creative writing sessions<\/a>, are focused on simply having fun and allowing people to have space for self-reflection or a break in their everyday routines.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are so wired to be on the go and working constantly that we often forget to take breaks,\u201d Crocco says. \u201cBut you can\u2019t be creative if you\u2019re always stressed or exhausted. You\u2019ll notice that your best ideas might come in the shower, on a walk or after playing a game. These breaks from mental tasks are important to build into our routines.\u201d<\/p>\n These events and workshops are open for all Brock University students, staff, faculty and members of the community. They are all currently delivered online and are free of charge.<\/p>\n