History

The Centre for Creativity was founded in 1974 when Faculty Council approved a proposal put forward by the Department of Psychology to establish a Centre for Studies in Creativity, which was strongly influenced by the creative problem solving model developed by psychologists at the State University of New York in Buffalo. In 1975, the name was changed to become the Centre for Studies in Creativity and Personality Growth, and the first number of a journal of the same name was published. 

The Centre began by offering workshops and weekend conferences for professionals and other interested members of the community. After fifteen successful conferences, the Centre was re-invented in 1988 through the vision of a new Coordinator and Board of Directors. At this time, the name was changed back to the Centre for Studies in Creativity. Since then, the Centre has held a series of events and workshops that focus on dance, literature, music, and visual arts from various cultural contexts, including, but not limited to, African, Aboriginal, Korean, Middle Eastern, Egyptian, Central American, and Japanese. 

The year 2003 brought another change of name and small adjustments to the Centre’s statement of purpose, goals, and the structure of its Board of Directors. The Department of Psychology decided at this time to withdraw from the Centre. With the withdrawal of the Department of Psychology, there was a proposal to dissolve the Centre, but fortunately, support from both within and outside the college prevented its closure. 

Over the course of its decades-long history, the Centre for Creativity has continued to fulfill its mission of looking at art as a means of creating dialogue, serving the quest for peace, and challenging ideas, while engaging students, faculty, and the community in teaching and learning.