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Uncreativity : the shadow side of creativity

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Bilton, Chris (2015) Uncreativity : the shadow side of creativity. International Journal of Cultural Policy, Volume 21 (Number 2). pp. 153-167. doi:10.1080/10286632.2014.892933

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2014.892933

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Abstract

This paper argues that our fascination with creativity is distracting and potentially destructive, resulting in a tendency to discard projects and people before they achieve their potential. ‘Uncreativity’ is used to recognise the importance of continuity over change, the contribution of intermediaries and administrators to creative processes and the possibility of reconfiguring and refining existing ideas rather than inventing new ones. The paper argues that the ‘discourse’ of creativity prioritises novelty over value. This leads to an unsustainable emphasis on new ideas and initiatives in organisations. For individuals, it encourages an overemphasis on individual talent and relentless self-belief. This partial understanding of creative processes results in unrealistic expectations and self-destructive and self-exploiting behaviours. Uncreativity is proposed as a necessary element in creative processes for both organisations and individuals. Cultural policy and cultural management need to acknowledge the important contribution of these uncreative elements as well as simply endorsing ‘creativity’.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CB History of civilization
Divisions: Faculty of Arts > Theatre, Performance and Cultural Policy Studies > Centre for Cultural Policy Studies
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Cultural policy, Creative ability
Journal or Publication Title: International Journal of Cultural Policy
Publisher: Routledge
ISSN: 1028-6632
Official Date: 6 March 2015
Dates:
DateEvent
6 March 2015Published
6 February 2014Available
1 June 2013Submitted
Volume: Volume 21
Number: Number 2
Number of Pages: 15
Page Range: pp. 153-167
DOI: 10.1080/10286632.2014.892933
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Restricted or Subscription Access

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