Here is the last installment of 'Reflections’ from Secondary students centered around the theme of ‘Creativity,’ which was the focus of this year’s Arts Festival.”

We hope you have all enjoyed reading these "Reflections".

Year 7 Students - Mack Brown & Archie Elliott-Roberts

The cultural context of creativity?

A:  Have you ever thought about how culture shapes creativity?

B:  Not lately.  But you tell me.

A:  Well I kind of wonder if culture is like invisible brushstrokes that colours our creative canvas. It’s like culture infuses every stroke, every hue.

B:  Okay, now you’ve got me interested.  Press on.

A:  Well, you know what I mean, it’s like different cultures have distinct conceptions of creativity.  What’s considered a tradition in one place might be not as valuable and important or ordinary elsewhere.

B:  Okay, so like the East and the West of the world. 

A:  Yes, like that.  In some cultures, novelty reigns supreme.  But in other cultures, usefulness and harmony matter just as much.

B:  Okay so I get it.  Story telling traditions are different from country to country. Like some countries use oral narrative and others it’s all written word and visual arts.

A:  You get it!  Some of those stories share a perspective of adversity like political upheaval, migration or social change and other share joy like connection, love and hope.

B:  I’ve never thought of creativity like that.

Year 8 Students - Hannah Petrie & Milla Fraguas

Creativity as an attitude?

A:  Hey have you ever thought about creativity as more than a skill?

B:  What do you mean?

A:  I mean, it’s like creativity is like an attitude.

B:  You’re going to have to explain this more…

A:  Well fine, see if you can pick up what I’m putting down here.  And I’m about to go pretty deep and meaningful here, so be prepared… I think creativity isn’t just about painting a masterpiece or creating a symphony or developing the greatest code to man. It’s a way of being. It’s an outlook on life.

B:  So.. seeing the world through curious eyes? Hey remember when we used to find shapes in clouds as kids? 

A:  Like cloud animals?

B:  Yes, do you mean like that?  Being curious and looking for the possible in almost anything?

A:  Yes that’s what I think a creative attitude is like.  Look at clouds in the sky is a perfect example of the essence of creativity – an openness to wonder.

B:  So imagination.  You’re talking about imagination right?

A:  Yes totally.  There’s no limit to artist or writer or engineers, scientists, chefs – they all wield imagination and creativity.

B:  Okay, I see where you’re going here (pause and look around) So do you think imagination is contagious?

A:  Well yes.  I think if you surround yourself with curious minds that spark your own creativity, then yes I totally think imagination can be contagious and I think this would lead anyone to develop a creative attitude.