The creative potential of children must be stimulated to ensure the future of Britain’s innovative and economic success, a charity backed by Prince Charles urges.
A report from Arts & Business (A&B) warns that failure to encourage creativity in the classroom poses grave risks for the future of business.
Firms in the UK’s creative economy are currently worth £53.4 billion and rely on innovation and idea generation to compete successfully.
But Britain’s schools, A&B warned, are pressuring children and stifling their creativity when it is at its fullest, while the culture conformity is inhibiting their ability for a future career in business, particularly as an entrepreneur.
“Our research shows that the beginning of adolescence marks the end of artistic development amongst most children due to frustration at wanting to ‘get things right’,” said Colin Tweedy, A&B chief executive.
“We believe that only by working with business, schools and teachers and by adopting the arts more to explore creativity at any can we prevent this crisis.
The UK is in a battle for its economic future and social stability. The creativity agenda is not a debating issue - it is one of national survival.”
A&B’s research shows that children around age five boast a large creative potential that is worn down by age 12. They experience a resurgence in early adulthood, but office culture, fears of failure and pressure similar to those at school contribute to another decline.
The report said that the ‘creative drain’ could be why so many firms are finding it difficult to fill positions and notice a growing skills shortage.
The charity urged decision makers in schools and offices to promote radical thinking and creative interventions.
