There is not a common definition on creativity. In this manual we will try to describe the definition that, in our opinion, are useful for our goal (transform an association in a learning creative centre). Creativity is a learning habit that requires skills as well as specific understanding of the contexts in which creativity is being applied. The creative process is at the heart of innovation and often the words are used interchangeably.

How to Transform an Association into a Creative Learning Center

A guide to transform associations into creative learning hubs, blending AI, creativity, and strategy for innovation and community growth.

Claudia Lanteri

How to Transform an Association into a Creative Learning Center: The Articrea Manual

Transforming an association into a creative learning center is both an ambitious challenge and an extraordinary opportunity to foster innovation, collaboration, and personal and collective growth. Our manual, How to Transform an Association into a Creative Learning Center, developed within the Erasmus+ Articrea project, is a comprehensive guide that supports associations through this transformative journey. With a focus on artificial intelligence, creativity, and entrepreneurship, the manual blends theory, practical examples, and applied strategies to create spaces dedicated to educational innovation.

A Journey Through Creativity  

The manual begins by reflecting on creativity, defining it not just as an innate ability but as a skill that can be cultivated through supportive environments and structured practices.

According to Kampylis and Berki (2014), “Creative thinking enables individuals to apply their imagination to generate ideas, experiment with alternatives, and evaluate results.” These elements are key in combining the learning process with innovation and problem-solving.

In the 21st century, creativity is no longer viewed as an individual pursuit but as a collaborative, distributed process closely tied to social and cultural contexts. For this reason, the manual emphasizes the importance of fostering a creative culture that values diversity and encourages inclusive, cross-disciplinary learning.

The Key Elements of a Creative Learning Center

The manual identifies critical aspects for transforming an association into a creative center:

1. Fostering a Creative Culture

• Valuing participants’ creative contributions.

• Offering opportunities to reflect, explore, and collaborate on innovative projects.

• Encouraging calculated risk-taking, resilience, and learning from mistakes.

2. Structuring the Learning Process. The manual introduces innovative approaches like tinkering, a methodology that integrates hands-on activities, critical thinking, and experiential learning. This technique emphasizes “thinking with your hands”, creating a direct link between creativity and practical learning.

3. Defining a Clear Organizational Strategy. Transformation requires strategic planning structured into phases:

• Creating the strategy.

• Aligning the organization.

• Operational planning and monitoring results.

4. Access to Resources and Collaborative Networks. Creative centers must be open spaces offering advanced tools, innovative technologies, and networking opportunities. These elements foster the co-creation of ideas and strengthen connections among individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Development of transversal skills, from problem-solving to critical thinking.

• Creation of collaborative networks to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Increased motivation and participant engagement in dynamic environments.

Challenges:

• Overcoming fear of failure and encouraging creative risk-taking.

• Managing organizational complexity and ensuring the center's economic sustainability.

Conclusions

Establishing a creative learning center is not only an investment in individual capabilities but also an opportunity to generate a positive impact at the community level. Through a combination of innovative methodologies, access to resources, and collaborative networks, associations can evolve into learning spaces where ideas, cultures, and skills intersect to address present and future challenges.

As highlighted in the manual, the success of this transformation relies on fostering an inclusive, sustainable environment focused on collective growth. For those ready to embark on this journey, our manual provides practical and inspiring guidance.

Download it here!

This manual has been developed within the framework of the “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP” co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under the grant agreement 2023-1-ES01-KA210-ADU-000161204. The opinions and views expressed on this website and in the results manual are solely those of the author(s), Slow Tourism Alto Adige, and La Periférica, and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the SEPIE National Agency can be held responsible for them.

In accordance with Annex II, section 3.2 of the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement, all educational materials produced under this project are subject to an open license, ensuring free access, usage, adaptation, and redistribution.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License – CC BY 4.0 International. This means that anyone is free to:

• Share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format.

• Adapt – remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.

The only requirement is to provide appropriate credit, indicate if changes were made, and not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.

For more details, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/