Psychology of the arts: how it works for work

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the ultimate engine of the arts – creativity. Creativity is classified in different terms according to different cultures. Some Anglo-Saxon definitions see it as a skill set that can be nurtured through training. Another viewpoint sees creativity as a talent, and purely individual: you either have it, or you don’t. Of course, creativity is always influenced by context: in the age of co-creation and co-design, we cannot subscribe any more to the romantic notion of creativity being the exclusive talent of exceptional geniuses. It is now established that creativity is supported by a number of combined personal traits – those that enable a constant reorganization of people–s individual spiritual and/or public life. However it is looked upon, creativity is vital to business as much as it is for fine arts, today more than ever. It will take a “revolution of the mind” to innovate the way we work, think, and define our own business reality, in order to change as is needed to face the challenges created by the financial crisis. Creativity can help us all out.