You have to make both pupils and teachers feel safe happy and also healthy.
People need self confidence etc and they need to allow themself and others to practice things in their own good time in their own pace. People need to learn and practice communication.

The school itself needs to have a nice building and nice beautiful surroundings etc.
Teachers most be allowed to teach in a good atmosphere.

Teachers education probably is rather good for small children and creativity practical learning by doing subjects and art and music drama and dancing etc for small children especially but for older their seem to be a lack of methods for teaching self confidence and imagination etc. For children to understand they can learn new topics by actually thinking good things. To actually try and practice and trying ideas and methods different tools and different solutions and being allowed to come up with new ideas etc is so important. Schools should be good places. An allowing place. A beautiful place , a place to try things and to have fun to be allowed to do new things.

The staff and parents teachers and pupils should allow pupils and teachers to be special and individual and different to be creative.

Carina.

The Artist as Leader
by Lisa Chase

Recently, upon taking a class in process painting, an awareness of the similarities of both artists and true leaders in our society became clear. It is the work of artists who reflect our world back to us through their creations that changes the way we look at the world. And, it is leaders in our society who help us to grow in new directions.

Leaders take risks. This might mean going down a path that no one else has ever traveled. In today’s world, there isn’t much room for comfort or imitation. Macintosh, 3M, or Hallmark did not gain success by following mainstream ideals. By definition, creativity means to think outside of the box, or to depart from the familiar. Successful leaders as well as artists do just that; both depart from the norm. It is a means of self-empowerment to find new ways in a rapidly changing world; a world where continuous learning and growth is necessary. Throughout history, our stories reflect the strong leaders and artists who ventured out, who found their own voice, and in doing so lead with great passion.

Research suggests that being a strong leader demands that an individual has vision. An artist too must have a vision when they create. Often a piece of work is first perceived, then conceived. Both artists and leaders breathe life into their vision by immersing themselves in it. An artist/leader is one who “lights the way”, for others to follow. A great leader, leads not by defining the world for others, but by arousing in others deep , probing questions, and thoughts and feelings which challenge our definition of our self and our world.

For leaders, communication plays an important role in working with others. And, for artists, ones ‘soul’ purpose is to communicate ideas through a given medium, be it painting, writing, music, or a dramatic performance. It is through this medium that a relationship between artist and audience is created. However, an artist/leader’s most important relationship is first with the self. For from the relationship with the self flows all right relationships with others. A strong sense of self, helps the artist/leader to find and have the confidence in expressing his/her own inner voice. This deep relationship with the self helps to connect individuals with the fabric of an organization or with society as a whole. And, by marching to the beat of our own drum, leaders and artists find the strength to lead in our ever changing world.

To be a strong leader, one has to be prepared to take risks; to say what needs to be said, or do what needs to be done. This is also true of the artist. No masterpiece was ever conceived without first taking a risk. Leaders and artists, by nature, challenge pre-conceived notions. By living their passion, they break the fear barrier and tap into life’s energy force. And, in doing so they help others ignite their own creative passion.

According to General Electric CEO Jack Welch, “ leaders probe and push with a curiosity that borders on skepticism.” The same can be said for artists as they play, experiment, stretch boundaries and explore new paths in their artistic endeavors.

Leaders and artists both realize the importance of celebrating their successes. This is why our world is graced with museums, book stores, radio stations, art galleries, and musical and dramatic performances. Celebrating allows leaders and artists to recharge their batteries and begin the cycle of creating all over again.

As a society, we have not placed enough value on our artists; but as our world continues to change, we just might find that it is our artists who have what it takes to be the creative leaders of tomorrow.