What Works in Stimulating Creativity Amongst Socially Excluded Young People
01 August 2006
This research project set out to determine what works in stimulating creativity in social excluded young people through a literature review and case study interviews.
Key Findings
In total, the research identified eight factors which may be associated with the emergence of creativity. These included:
- Authenticity - it appeared that themes, stimuli and creative activity worked successfully when they appeared to be relevant and meaningful to the young people. Also, where young people could respect the practitioner delivering the workshop or programme as a ‘real working artist’ it was felt that they engaged well.
- Something different - exposure to new ideas and concepts was particularly instrumental in provoking creative responses from young people. Use of new/different locations, learning styles and working with new people were also seen as helpful.
- ‘Significant other’ - someone in the role of a mentor/mediator was found to be beneficial for creativity because they could provide encouragement, support and model expertise for the young people to appropriate.