We are all artists. Though we may not identify ourselves as such, we each have a little engine of creativity within us that sifts a continuous shower of information, and surprises us on occasion with something new.

What environments help our artistic identity to flourish? What are the attributes of a culture conducive to flashes of creative inspiration? Join us this Friday, September 8th, with George Kaye, a curator and arts practitioner, to talk about cultivating the artist within us and cultivating societies where artists can thrive. In particular, we will consider ‘play’ through discussion of a series of bamboo handcraft workshops George has recently developed for all ages.

During the presentation, we will have an opportunity for some hands-on tinkering with bamboo: no guidelines, no goals, just feeling our way forward with the spontaneity and curiosity of a child. Start your morning with a new invention of your own!

Boosting creativity, innovation and independent thinking are hot topics in China and all around the world. In this talk we will shift the conversation from top-down planning to bottom-up initiative, starting with engaging our basic senses—the starting point for all artistic practice.

The field of social entrepreneurship has strong overlap with social practices in the arts. Entrepreneurs and artists both seek ways to address problems in their community using their creativity, skills and networks. Both face challenges of persuading partners, finding financial stability, and adapting to change. Many entrepreneurs openly regard themselves as artists, and many artists consider themselves entrepreneurs. This talk will appeal to a wide spectrum of members curious about the borderlands between art and enterprise.

Fresh Start warmly welcomes you to come this Friday to participate in this fascinating discussion and activity.