Education Conference 2004
Explore-Experience-Discover
The Link Between Education and Creativity

"In the relentless pursuit of higher test scores, creativity has been sidelined and it is time to return to a form of thinking that is central to the quality of our culture and to the realization of human ability." - Dr. Elliot Eisner, Stanford

In 2004, Columbus Day weekend at The Bushnell meant a time to "Explore, Experience and Discover." More than a hundred people came to The Bushnell to hear what the experts had to say about the link between education and creativity.

Dr. Elliot Eisner of Stanford, Dr. Robert Sternberg of Yale, and Dr. Joseph Renzulli of UConn explored the nature of creativity and why it is vital to the 53 million students in this country today. With hard-hitting facts and inspiring stories, the speakers emphasized the value of the arts, noting that creative thinking and creative output come in different forms. In the words of Dr. Eisner, "I'm really delighted that the conference is being sponsored to examine and promote the development of creative thinking skills among youngsters in our schools, because as virtually everybody here knows, the development of creative thinking has not been high on our educational agenda where we are much more concerned about more prosaic and mundane matters. So, the fact that the theme of this conference focuses on something that is generally neglected is reassuring. And I hope that it starts a movement that goes right throughout the country."

A panel of national funders shed valuable light on the world of philanthropy and education. Led by national philanthropy advisor Jane Polin, the panel was comprised of Douglas B. Bauer of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Kassie Davis of the Chicago Community Trust, Cyrus E. Driver of the Ford Foundation, Carol Sue Fromboluti of the U.S. Department of Education, and John H. Motley of the Travelers Foundation.

Hip-hop classical composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, Ph.D., assistant composer-in-residence at the Orchestra of St. Luke, electrified the conference with his innovative music. The legendary Broadway actor Maurice Hines inspired the audience with stories about growing up in a performing family.

Conference attendees also had a personal, hands-on opportunity to "explore, experience and discover" the link between education and creativity. Some chose to make masks, to write stories or poetry, to compose music, to draw cartoons, or to be part of a drumming circle. Many of them shared their creations at a culminating dinner.

The week after the conference, State of Connecticut Education Specialist Scott Shuler wrote to say: "One test for me of the effectiveness of a conference is how frequently I find myself thinking back on the experience and adjusting my thinking in light of what was presented. I just returned from reviewing NEA grant applications in D.C., and must have made references to the Bushnell event - in conversation and in thought - at least a dozen times. I hope that is only one of many such events."