Supporting Creativity through Virtual Means
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on how we function in both of our professional and personal lives. The impact of this pandemic has challenged organizations to think outside the traditional methods of functioning and delivering their programs.
The organizations from the Adobe Creativity Grants Network are stepping up to this challenge. The inability to connect and deliver their programs in-person has not discouraged them. Instead, they have found innovative ways to continue to connect and inspire their young creatives. From Instagram challenges to virtual workshops, these organizations are delivering programs that teach their young creatives new ways to create various types of media pieces using the limited technical resources available at home. The reason behind this motivation is that creativity can be a powerful tool and source of expression for managing with the uncertainties during this time. As Amie Williams, the Executive Director of GlobalGirl Greece, said “Our youth need us as well to stay strong” and through connection we can all stay strong together.
The flexibility and openness to change from these organizations allowed them to alter their curriculum to be delivered virtually. Organizations are using video conferencing and video call options to continue to connect with their young creatives during the regular programming and workshop hours. The new curriculum delivery on a scheduled time allows these young creatives to have a sense of consistency and continue to learn with their peers and get familiarized with the “new normal”.
Additionally, these new virtual settings are teaching young creatives new skills such as how to learn, collaborate, and create on virtual platforms. For instance, some organizations are utilizing virtual breakdown rooms in their new programming structure to help develop these new cognitive and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, many of these conversations are being continued on messenger platforms like Slack. And to better support organizations with delivery of their program virtually, Adobe and the TakingITGlobal team are working closely to ensure the young creatives are able to access Creative Cloud apps from their home or mobile devices.
Newly revamped curriculum is teaching young creatives how to use the resources available to them at home to create media pieces. Many organizations are providing instruction on how to use mobile devices to create all types of media. For instance Shilpa Sayura Foundation in Sri Lanka is teaching young creatives to use their mobile device to film stop motion movies. And Free Spirit Media in the United States is asking their young creatives to use their mobile devices to produce 1-minute videos to inspire others to get creative during this time.
As this global pandemic continues, Adobe and TakingITGlobal are working closely to look for new and innovative ways to support this network of creative youth organizations in their program delivery. With all the unknowns, creativity can be a form of well-being and self-expression. To continue the conversation of well-being during this time, TIG is hosting a “What Does Well-Being Look Like to You?” Global Gallery contest. Learn about our other initiatives to support creativity by visiting our Adobe Creativity Grants website for updates!
