Creativity is one of the most important characteristics of being human. Our ability to think creatively makes us totally unique as a species and can offer enormous rewards to us individually and in our wider communities.

Courtney Carver explains why it’s important to be creative:

1. Creativity Predicts A Longer Life
In this Scientific American article, “researchers found that only creativity—not intelligence or overall openness—decreased mortality risk. One possible reason creativity is protective of health is because it draws on a variety of neural networks within the brain.” James Clear cites studies and research that demonstrate creating art decreases negative emotions, reduces stress and anxiety, and improved medical outcomes. Not only can being creative help you live longer, but it can improve your quality of health and life too.

2. Become A Better Problem Solver
Being creative helps you become a better problem solver in all areas of your life and work. Instead of coming from a linear, logical approach, your creative side can approach a situation from all angles. Creativity helps you see things differently and better deal with uncertainty. Studies show that creative people are better able to live with uncertainty because they can adapt their thinking to allow for the flow of the unknown.

3. Develop Your Confidence
Engaging in the creative process is a great confidence builder, because you discover that failure is part of the process. Once we see failure as something that is survivable, and something that helps us grow and that it makes our work better, we can release the fear and try new things even at the risk of failing.

Whether you consider yourself to be a designer or not, creativity is for everyone and any age.

Even if you think you have no creative ability at all, when guided in the right direction you’ll be amazed at how innovative and imaginative you can be.

You’ve simply got to try new things as often as you can, and challenge yourself to learn something new.

It’s Time To Get Creative

At this years Cheltenham Design Festival we challenge you to learn something new and get creative at one of our workshops.

You can choose from a wide variety of activities from the Big Cheltenham Lego Build at the Wilson Gallery to creating Paper Animals with Sam Pierpoint in the John Lewis Discovery Room.

Coming along to a creative workshop is a great opportunity to try something new, spend time with other creative folks and have the chance to speak with people who have made a career out of their creative abilities.

Here is a list of the workshops and activities happening at the Cheltenham design Festival on Sunday 3rd November:

THE BIG CHELTENHAM LEGO BUILD
Get hands-on and build local landmarks, houses, shops, cars and much more for the biggest Cheltenham LEGO build ever!

CREATIVE JUICE – Taster Session for the Design Academy.
An interactive workshop for 8-16 year olds on creative thinking and the process of generating ideas.

NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION – Jim Sutherland
An exploration of national identity and hands on creative session where you will use flags to explore new ways to approach a design idea through their deconstruction and reconstruction.

YOUR FUTURE PLAN – Advice for Students Pursuing a Creative Career
Sponsored by the University of Gloucestershires ‘You Future Plan’ programme, join practicing designers, lecturers and careers advisors for unmissable insights into a creative career.

DESIGNING FOR GOOD – with Eriol Fox
Find out how open source design can work by engaging through meaningful technology that makes a difference in the world.

BE A DESIGNER FOR THE DAY – Customise Your Own Tee or Tote
Follow a one of our briefs or come up with your very own design which you can screen print or hand paint on to a T-shirt or tote bag.

MERI MERI Cracker Workshop
From fun embellished characters to elegant table favours, the Meri Meri team will bring everything you need (and the knowhow) to create your very own festive crackers.

SAM PIERPOINT’S Paper Animals
Explore the basic techniques of paper-cutting and modelling with Sam Pierpoint. She will show you how to bring a 2D sketches to life out of paper.

See the Full Workshop Programme for times, prices and locations and book yourself some time to get creative.