This workshop has been designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and encourage experimental thinking through engaging in a range of activities.

These activities have been chosen as they encourage the development of specific sets of awareness and skills

The range of activities included depends on the pre-determined length of the workshop.
Each workshop includes an introductory talk that highlights the importance of creativity and how divergent thinking can help us rediscover or hone this skill. This talk is designed to inspire the participants.
We will begin with some light warm up activities that will allow the participants to get comfortable, loosen up and understand that the main objective is to be engaged, flexible and have fun.
We will then work through a variety of longer exercises that will last 40-50 minutes each.

These include:
- Design is the basis of everything man made in our society. Therefore it is integral to creativity. In the design task the participants will describe an object as though they were the designer and identify additional, inventive uses for it. This allows us to think about everyday objects in new ways, challenging us to see beyond the mundane and imagine the realm of possibility. We will then work in small groups to design something: a game, an object, a country. The task will be adapted to suit the specific group.
- Empathy is a creative act. We activate the same area of out brain when we are creative as when we are thinking empathetically. When we are empathetic we are more connected with others and the world around us. It makes us more present and aware, and thus assists us to become more creative. The empathy activities will encourage connection, understanding and presence among the participants.
- Stories are integral to human understanding. When we can effectively tell and decipher meaning in stories, it is evidence that we are more at ease with the language and communication that are at the core of each interaction. In the story tasks we will explore experimental ways to relay and construct information, allowing us to gain appreciation for the way we each construct meaning through the subjective lens.

- Play is freedom from the constrictions of rational thought. Children are experts at play and it should come as no surprise that children’s creative abilities far exceed those of adults. Play gives us permission to be free thinkers, to act without judgement or expectation. Play allows for new possibilities. 

Between each exercise the group will do a short movement exercise that allows for a chance to reset for the next challenge
All activities are designed to be fun, stimulating and engaging. The participants will be challenged to think on their feet, connect with their bodies and share without judgement.
In this way the workshop highlights important personal and professional life skills.
The participants will leave the workshop feeling present, stimulated and inspired
At the end of the session we will have time to debrief. This allows participants to reflect on the activities and the experiences they have just partaken in. They will be asked to assess how successful or not they were and to share what they got out of the experience. This ensure the workshops are continually improving as well as demonstrating that the participants experiences and expectations are important.

​

​