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Mission
To cultivate and champion creative thinking in Oklahoma.
Vision
To inspire creative thinking and integrate it into all sectors of Oklahoma's economy, establishing the state as a world-renowned center of creativity.
Core Values
Creativity: Encourage and engage diverse thought, inspire new ideas, and welcome changes to the status quo.
Connection: Convene community members at all levels and backgrounds to learn from each other and to share resources.
Abundance: There is room for creativity in every sector and every conversation. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Education: Bring creative thinking into classrooms and educational experiences while educating the public on the meaning of creativity and its practical applications.
Pillars
Culture: Celebrate and nurture diversity of artistic and cultural expression, and foster innovation and community engagement.
Commerce: Champion creative thinking as a catalyst for economic growth, empowering businesses to innovate and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Education: Through programs and partnerships, inspire and equip individuals with the creative skills needed to excel in every field and stage of life.
About Creative Oklahoma
Creative Oklahoma, inspired by Sir Ken Robinson's belief that creative thinking is vital in every industry, is a nonprofit dedicated to embedding creativity across all fields—from science and technology to business and education.
We achieve this through programs that educate the public on the importance of creative thinking and its practical applications in work and school, driving innovation that propels Oklahoma forward. Additionally, we honor Oklahomans who make significant and unique contributions to the economy through our annual Creativity Ambassador Gala.
Understanding the Need for Creative Thinking
There is a growing gap between how educational systems prepare young people and the evolving needs of the workforce and society for creative thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Every person is born with unique talents, passions, and the ability to create. The challenge is to identify our passions, nurture our talents, and keep them alive as we navigate life in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Too often, we're discouraged from pursuing ideas because they've failed before or told not to follow our passions because they won't lead to a stable career. We're taught that test scores matter more than curiosity and deep learning. The global creativity movement, including Creative Oklahoma, urges individuals to embrace their innate talents and creativity, bringing these gifts passionately into boardrooms, community centers, and government offices. Creative ideas are essential to driving the economic and social changes critical for our future.
Our Humble Beginnings
An International Movement with Sir Ken Robinson
Formed in 2006, Creative Oklahoma is the first non-profit organization in the U.S. with a statewide strategy to encourage and support the development of creativity and innovation in the multiple sectors of education, commerce, and culture with strategic counsel provided by national adviser, Sir Ken Robinson. Creative Oklahoma has further catalyzed the development of the National Creativity Network, a national non-profit organization linking over 12 regions in the U.S. and Canada sharing best practice and providing national educational offerings.
Creative Oklahoma is the only North American region represented in the International Districts of Creativity Network, linking together 12 regions of creativity throughout the world.
Our Humble Beginnings:
An International Movement with Sir Ken Robinson