Tinkerers, Thinkers, and Explorers
The impact of STE(A)M education on changing lives and communities
by Linda Henry
Unleashing creativity: we're all born artists
From the moment we enter this world, we possess an innate spark of creativity. As children, we engage in imaginative play without filters, filling our surroundings with color, stories, and boundless possibilities. As we grow older, societal expectations and self-doubt can dampen this creative flame. Yet, it's important to remember that within each of us lies an artist waiting to be awakened.
At select Grands Prix, Smartsheet gives our coveted spot on McLaren’s Formula 1 cars to a local nonprofit doing world-changing work. We call this Sponsor X. During the 2023 British Grand Prix, we’ll shine a light on our third Sponsor X, STEAM Co., an organization that introduces children to art, science, technology, and more, through creativity sessions that help build intellectual skills, foster play, and spark imagination. STEAM Co. Co-Founder, Nick Corston, celebrates the idea that we are all born artists. His organization is on a mission to inspire a creativity revolution across the United Kingdom.
“One of the things I love saying to the kids is, if you've got a birthday or Christmas coming up, ask for the three greatest gifts. And that's time, stories, and art. Go and do really cool cultural things so that you can tell us stories in your later life and that help find your art, that passion, that thing that's going to help you make some money, make some friends, make the world a better place.”
—Nick Corston, Co-Founder, STEAM Co.
The invaluable work undertaken by STEAM Co. in preserving children's innate capacity for creativity holds tremendous significance for the future. By nurturing their creative potential, STEAM Co. is laying the foundation for the next generation of innovators, engineers, and technologists who will drive organizations like ours, McLaren, and numerous others forward. In an era where humanity confronts some of our most challenging problems, the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and innovate becomes increasingly vital. STEAM Co.'s commitment to empowering young minds ensures that these future leaders will possess the skills and imagination necessary to tackle these obstacles head-on.
The work of STEAM Co. holds significant importance not just for Smartsheet and other organizations, but also for the world as a whole. By focusing on the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), STEAM Co. promotes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education and creativity. This approach not only nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation but also fosters a deep appreciation for the arts and the interconnectedness of various fields.
Embracing imagination
Children are like brilliant painters, splashing the canvas of their minds with vibrant hues of imagination, conjuring up imaginary friends that dance across their artistic landscapes, magical worlds that shimmer with unseen wonders and fantastical scenarios that ignite the fire of possibility. As we transition into adulthood, we often dismiss imagination as mere child's play. However, embracing our imagination is a key step toward unleashing creativity. Allow yourself to daydream, visualize, and let your mind wander. Engaging in imaginative activities like reading, watching movies, or simply observing nature can help rekindle that imaginative spark.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution. It is, strictly speaking, a real factor in scientific research.
Cultivate curiosity
Curiosity is the fuel that drives creativity. As children, we are naturally curious about the world around us, constantly asking "why" and "what if." To unleash our creative potential, we must reclaim that sense of curiosity. Ask questions, explore new interests, and challenge preconceived notions. With each brushstroke of curiosity, you paint vibrant strokes of knowledge onto the canvas of your mind. Engage in activities that pique your curiosity, such as attending workshops, taking up new hobbies, or exploring different cultures and perspectives. Embrace the unknown and allow curiosity to guide you on a journey of creative exploration.
“Something strikes you when you move to America and travel around the world: every education system on earth has the same hierarchy of subjects. Every one. Doesn't matter where you go. You'd think it would be otherwise, but it isn't. At the top are mathematics and languages, then the humanities. At the bottom are the arts. Everywhere on earth. And in pretty much every system, too, there's a hierarchy within the arts. Art and music are normally given a higher status in schools than drama and dance. There isn't an education system on the planet that teaches dance every day to children the way we teach them mathematics. Why not? I think this is rather important. I think math is very important, but so is dance. Children dance all the time if they're allowed to, we all do. We all have bodies, don't we?”
—Sir Ken Robinson, TED 2006, “Do schools kill creativity?”
Accept failure and risk-taking
Creativity flourishes when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the possibility of failure. As we grow older, we tend to fear making mistakes, which can hinder our creative expression. To unleash our inner artist, we must learn to embrace failure as an essential part of the creative process. Understand that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone towards growth and improvement. Take risks, experiment with different ideas, and be open to learning from setbacks. By embracing failure, we give ourselves permission to explore uncharted territories of creativity.
Create space for play
Play is not just for children; it’s a powerful catalyst for creativity. As Pablo Picasso said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." To reconnect with our inner artist, we must create space for play in our lives, allowing ourselves to explore, experiment, and discover new ideas without the pressure of achieving a specific outcome. Play, like a mischievous muse, invites us to dance with spontaneity, to explore uncharted territories, and unlock hidden doors to inspiration.
Welcome vulnerability
Creativity requires vulnerability, as it involves expressing ourselves with authenticity and sharing our innermost thoughts and emotions. However, vulnerability can be intimidating and uncomfortable. To unleash our creative potential, we must be willing to embrace vulnerability and let go of self-judgment. Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who encourage and uplift your creative endeavors. Share your work, seek feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. Remember that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength that allows your unique voice to shine through.
Conclusion
In an era marked by the rapid influx and advancement of technology, including recent groundbreaking advancements in AI, the demands of the workforce are constantly evolving. Amidst these changes, there is one indispensable human trait that remains irreplaceable: creativity. It is this very attribute that holds the key to addressing the pressing challenges that confront us today and will shape our future. As technology progresses, it is essential to recognize that creative thinking is a fundamental quality that cannot be replicated or substituted. It is through harnessing our innate creativity that we can unlock innovative solutions and make significant strides in overcoming the complex problems that lie ahead.
“Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”
—Berthold Brecht
Unleashing creativity is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. We are all born artists, and within us lies a wellspring of creative potential waiting to be tapped. By embracing imagination, curiosity, failure, play, and vulnerability, we can reconnect with our innate creativity and create a life filled with innovation, joy, and fulfillment.
The impact of STEAM Co.'s work is far-reaching, as it empowers individuals, especially the younger generation, to develop essential skills and knowledge that are increasingly valuable in today's rapidly evolving world. Through our Sponsor X initiative and collaboration with STEAM Co., we can amplify our collective efforts to inspire and engage audiences, driving meaningful change, and contribute to fostering a generation of talented individuals who will shape a brighter future for all of us.
“Tinkerers, Thinkers, and Explorers'' is a Smartsheet companion blog to our Sponsor X initiative that shines a light on organizations committed to empowering young people in STE(A)M education and driving our communities toward unprecedented levels of achievement. Learn more about Sponsor X
