Ten years ago, on November 17, 2014, the first World Creativity Day was celebrated—a bold initiative to unite the power of creative thinking and innovation. Since then, this landmark event has grown into a worldwide movement, empowering communities to collaborate, create, and tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
This transformative idea was born from the vision of the psychologist Lucas Foster and an advocate for the democratization of creativity. The inaugural edition of World Creativity Day took place at his company’s headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil, with none other than John Howkins—one of the world’s leading thinkers on the creative economy—as a special guest.
Shortly after participating in the event, Howkins sat down for an exclusive interview with Projeto Draft (https://www.projetodraft.com/john-howkins-entrevista-economia-criativa/). Reflecting on the day and the broader potential of the creative economy, he emphasized that creativity isn’t just about individual artistic expression but a critical driver of societal and economic growth. His words perfectly captured the ethos of World Creativity Day: creativity as a universal resource for innovation and progress.
Creativity as a Global Movement
Howkins’ visit to São Paulo was particularly significant. His book, The Creative Economy: How People Make Money from Ideas, had already laid the groundwork for recognizing creativity as a core economic asset. By his visit to Brazil, Foster ensured that the inaugural edition of World Creativity Day would not only celebrate creativity but also ground it in an influential and forward-thinking framework.
In the interview, conducted in the days following the event, Howkins applauded the initiative for its inclusive and collaborative approach. The event brought together people from diverse fields—education, business, technology, and the arts—to explore how creative thinking could address real-world challenges. It set the tone for what would become an annual global phenomenon.
From São Paulo to the World
Since that historic day in São Paulo, World Creativity Day has grown exponentially. What started as a grassroots celebration has evolved into a global platform, hosting events in hundreds of cities and inspiring thousands of people. In 2017, the United Nations officially recognized April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day, further cementing the impact of it.
Over the past decade, World Creativity Day has expanded its reach with initiatives like leadership training programs, creative workshops, and the biennial World Creativity Festival. These initiatives align with Howkins’ belief in the transformative potential of creativity to foster resilience, solve problems, and fuel sustainable development.
The Next Decade of Creativity
As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, it’s clear that creativity’s role in shaping the future is more vital than ever. In his interview, Howkins remarked on the rapid evolution of the creative economy, driven by technological advancements and digital platforms. These developments bring both opportunities and challenges, particularly around ethics and inclusivity.
The World Creativity Organization continues to build on the foundation laid in São Paulo, addressing these dynamics through advocacy, education, and community-building. As Howkins noted during his visit to the first World Creativity Day: “Creativity is not just a tool for individuals—it’s a necessity for societies to thrive.”
Ten years on, the movement launched in São Paulo by Lucas Foster and inspired by thought leaders like John Howkins is more relevant than ever. It stands as a testament to the power of imagination and the transformative potential of creative collaboration.
Here’s to a decade of creativity—and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead!
