Our earth is the very definition of creativity and pragmatism. ‘Survival of the fittest’ embodies it, and I for one am always struggling with it. Although plants, animals and landscapes evolve into what one would hope are the ever-superior versions of themselves, they are full of intricacies that can only be defined as extremely creative. So too are our everyday lives – whether it’s at home or in the workplace – life cannot function without creativity but it continues successfully due to pragmatic, practical results.
In the world of museums, that is certainly true. Myself and those working in and supporting such pivotal institutions believe in their importance as repositories of history which must also communicate and educate – lose sight of these goals and you no longer have a museum. In the last 20 years, with much national funding for such places drying up in North America, the financial bottom line has become more and more important. In this way we are waging a war between creativity and pragmatism. Many small and regional museums in Canada have found themselves forced to close or operate on a very minimal level due to lack of resources, both human and financial.
Museums, and the arts in general, cannot be seen as peripheral additions in society but as essential as education and health care. Without awareness of where we come from, how can we know where we are going and how best to get there? An institution for the people should be supported by the people - but is today often forgone for other leisure pursuits. Museums are now competing with amusement parks, movie-going and sports for the family recreation dollar. They should be included in the family outing as an essential - and what many may not realize - changing resource. Many museums have in recent years adapted to this trend, striving to strike a balance between education and entertainment by offering innovative and interactive programming for their visitors; more than just the staid tour guide. Others, in my opinion, have taken it in the wrong direction: building new structures designed by world-renowned star architects while what is inside is often secondary. I would venture to say that there seems to be little pragmatism in such a burst of creativity. Of course, I would rather have a flashy museum than no museum in my city. Creativity drives human interaction and certainly the urban heartbeat.
While it seems that in my own life I favour the creative over the practical, the basics of food, shelter and home cannot ignore reality. That is to say – while I would love to pursue my professions without a thought given to remuneration, the reality that I am far from independently wealthy does not allow me the luxury with which to do so. I believe faith in your creative abilities will bring about the results wished for - that your needs will inevitably be met by focusing on what you love to do. Because it is in these endeavours that we will exert ourselves the most; try again and again, and hopefully receive the recognition to soldier on - for how can you not be great at what you love to do?
So go out to your local museum or gallery; see a play; watch a film; go to a 'happening' - chances are that you will be glad you did as not only will they have been entertaining - but educational and nourishing as well. Perhaps even inspirational - informing your own creative aspect ... which in turn can foster your own work - in whatever field that may be.
To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong – Joseph Chilton Pierce
Maria is a culture and heritage consultant, actor, and overall arts supporter.
Visit her website at www.mariajcruz.com
