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ThuMay 30

National Creativity Day – May 30, 2024

Unleash your imagination for National Creativity Day on May 30! Many things in our lives (except nature, of course) was spawned out of someone’s imagination. Artists, writers, sculptors, filmmakers, chefs, landscapers, architects, and many more — this special day was founded to honor and celebrate everyone who creates new things each day, someone just like you!

History of National Creativity Day

People have differing opinions about the history of creativity. Some believe it began in the prehistoric ages when early humans used leaves to cover themselves and developed tools for hunting. Others believe it originated with the Australian Aborigines. They had moved from India to Australia, inventing an incredibly creative hunting tool, the boomerang, in the process. People also tend to think creativity originated in ancient Egypt, Mexico, Asia. The pyramids, geometry, astronomy, and advancements in production and science are all examples of a creative bent.

The term ‘creativity’ itself has changed over the years, adapting to the way different cultures perceive it. The ancient Greeks preferred to avoid freedom of action in favor of following the rules when it came to creating art, a practice creative people do not prefer in today’s world. The Greeks also had no specific term corresponding to ‘creativity’, but there was one exception — the word ‘poiein’ ( which means ‘to make’) applied specifically to ‘poiesis’ (‘poetry’) and the ‘poietes’ (‘poet’ or ‘maker’). After the Greek civilization, Romans developed a new vocabulary, literature, art, and, most famously, sculptures. Medieval Christianity gave a new meaning to the term ‘creativity.’ The Latin ‘creatio’ referred to God’s act of ‘creatio ex nihilo’ (‘creation from nothing’). Later changes in this definition allowed the skill of creativity to be independent — it was no longer simply associated with art. The greatest period of creativity in history is said to be the period of the Renaissance, where everyone sought to express themselves, and creativity bloomed in every aspect of life, even in politics, economy, society, art, philosophy, science, and education.

The last decade has been full of revolution, with science taking an interest in the skill of creativity. To encourage us to nurture our creativity and thus inspire others to do the same, film producer and the president of ScreenwritingU, Hal Croasmun, together with ScreenwritingU, founded National Creativity Day.

National Creativity Day timeline

700–480 B.C.
The Greeks Value Poetry

Art (and artists) are bound by rules while creating art — the only exception is poets, who make 'new' things (aka poetry).

476–1453
Creativity Gets a Negative Perception

The medieval Church says 'creatio' means 'to create from nothing' — in this way, 'creatio' does not apply to human activities.

17th Century
The First Time 'Creativity' is Used

Polish poet Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski applies this term for the first time, but only in regards to poetry.

19th Century
The Perception Around Creativity Changes

Religious skepticism is on the rise, and more people recognize not only art but the creative skill itself.

1950
The Scientific Study of Creativity Begins

American psychologist J. P. Guilford’s address to the American Psychological Association is believed to popularize creativity in science.

2018
The Day is Founded!

Hal Croasmun and ScreenwritingU establish National Creativity Day to “celebrate the imaginative spirits everywhere and to encourage them to keep creating.”

National Creativity Day FAQs

Why do we celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day?

Celebrated globally on April 21 each year, World Creativity and Innovation Day was founded by the U.N. to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation while problem-solving (with respect to advancing the U.N.’s sustainable development goals).

Who is the most creative person?

Some creative people from history include Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, Marie Curie, and Leonardo Di Vinci.

What makes a creative thinker?

Creative thinking is the ability to consider something in a new way. This thinking includes open-mindedness, communication, analysis, and risk-taking ability.

How To Celebrate National Creativity Day

  1. Be creative

    Unleash your creativity on the world. Take some time to direct your energies towards a creative task that you like and go for it. What inspires you? What gets your mind racing with exciting thoughts? Examine your passion and explore your creativity, even if it is only for fun.

  2. Support creativity

    Encourage loved ones to pursue their dreams in the creative arts. At the very least, get them started with a new creative hobby to enlighten their mind. Support the creative community in any way you can. If you have found a new local store selling art, share the details. Frequent creative websites and studios. Purchase their art, music, and works. Share this love and encourage others to do the same.

  3. Learn more about the creative skill

    While learning to be creative, maybe you can also read up on what this skill can do for you, ways to enhance creativity, and more.

5 Fun Facts About Enhancing Creativity

  1. Shower time is good for us!

    72% of creative insights come while people are in the shower, according to a study conducted in 2014.

  2. Try new things for a creative you

    Dopamine in our brains, which is released when we try new things, is also linked to creative achievement.

  3. Sleep to be more creative

    An overall health restorer, sleep also boosts creativity.

  4. Creative ideas have a bad history

    History shows the most creative ideas have been ridiculed and mocked like Galileo's astronomical discoveries.

  5. Daydreaming boosts creativity, too

    A good daydreaming session can allow your mind to go into mental incubation, allowing it to sort through creative ideas and planning.

Why We Love National Creativity Day

  1. Never underestimate the power of a doodle

    A creative outlet can help you express all those suppressed emotions you have buried deep inside. Even simply scribbling on a piece of paper can help our mind relax and destress.

  2. It encourages an open mind

    Being more creative inspires us to see the world through new eyes. It can include exposing people to a new culture through photographs, cooking food from around the world, or even writing your thoughts about the most recent movie you watched. You not only put your ideas into perspective, but you also learn from the experience. The more new creative ideas you come up with, the bigger your experiences get, and the more your mind is introduced to new concepts and dialogues.

  3. From nothing into something

    An idea your mind came up with, all on its own, was brought into the world by you! Effectively, you created something where there was nothing earlier. The fact that our creative thoughts take shape and can be seen by the world gives us chills of excitement!

National Creativity Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 30Thursday
2025May 30Friday
2026May 30Saturday
2027May 30Sunday
2028May 30Tuesday

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