Management

Exploring Technology as a Creative Force

Student creativity flourishes as schools embrace the intersection of art and innovation.

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As Editor in Chief, Ryan works on developing editorial strategy and is always on the lookout for new writing talent and sharing great stories with the IT world. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, biking and obsessively following Iowa Hawkeye sports and Cubs baseball.

The beauty of technology today is that it has a creative side too.

Where computers and networks once seemed to be the realm of engineers and mathematicians, now artists and actors are reaping the benefits of modern digital tools.

Technology and creativity are no longer mutually exclusive — if they ever were. One can benefit the other with striking results.

For example, we see that played out at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts, where students learn traditional skills such as drawing, painting and sculpting by hand, then supplement that learning by incorporating a variety of technologies into the creative process. The students use laser cutters, computer programs such as Adobe Illustrator, and MakerBot 3D printers to marry art with technology.

In one class, students use stop-motion animation to bring Frida Kahlo’s motionless painting “The Two Fridas” to life, with her eyes darting back and forth and storm clouds brewing in the background.

“Over the past few decades, art and technology have become more intertwined than ever before, creating a unique intersectional space where artists can experiment with new ways of combining different media with their artistic practices,” says Nick Nissley, the school’s executive director.

Creativity Is the Future of Tech

Steve Jobs said, “The best way to create value in the 21st century is to connect creativity with technology.” Students who are learning in imaginative ways today, with the support of technology, will be valuable assets to the workforce in the future — but creativity is valued right now.

IBM once asked 1,500 CEOs from 60 countries and 33 industries what quality organizations would need most to successfully navigate an increasingly complex world. They named creativity above rigor, management discipline, integrity and vision.

The CEOs know what Steve Jobs knew and what the students at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts are learning: Combined, creativity and technology are a powerful force.

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