Leaders Create Spectacular Societies

          Although the notion of a creative class, introduced by Richard Florida, may be a novel concept for business, it has existed in the arts for centuries. The Renaissance was witness to theatrical cities, emergent theatre communities set apart, on the margins of major cities, known as a spectacular society. These peripheral cultures embodied cohesion of social, artistic, and political inputs, characterized by a convergence (synthesis) of ideas.  The MacDowell Colony is a 450-acre retreat in rural New England and has served as a creative refuge to over 550 artists of various disciplines since 1907.  Designed to respect the creative process, attendees have time and space to interact in an environment free from distractions, where mingling promotes sharing. Since its onset, MacDowell Colony alumni have won more than 65 Pulitzers, 12 MacArthur Foundation “genius awards” and, claimed scores of Academy Awards, Grammy’s Guggenheims, and National Book Awards.

Synthesis is a catalyst for creativity; creativity is a catalyst for innovation. Innovation equals growth and economic gain. Talented people must be nurtured and educated. Conclusion - to achieve growth, any entity (region, company, institution) must be a place where talented and creative people want to be, a place that provides the infrastructure for learning, and welcomes and cultivates diverse ideas and people. Synthesis flows from being present and authentic (Aesthetic Intelligence). Aesthetic Intelligence characterizes spectacular societies.

Are you creating a spectacular society?