The Science of Creativity: What It Means for You & Your Community | Kristin Armstrong | TEDxMacatawa

Research in neuroaesthetics and public health suggests that making and experiencing art can change physiological responses, create a sense of connection through shared rhythm, and support resilience across the lifespan. Arts and nonprofit leader Kristin Armstrong presents this view in a TEDxMacatawa talk. She also considers what this means for schools, arts organizations, and how people schedule their time.

• Arts as a health necessity rather than a luxury
• Neuroaesthetics and public health research
• Synchrony and community connection through shared experiences
• Implications for schools, arts organizations and personal routines

What if the arts are a health necessity, not a luxury? Drawing on research in neuroaesthetics and public health, Kristin Armstrong shows how making and experiencing art changes our physiology, connects us through synchrony, and builds resilience across our lifespan. She also explores what that should mean for schools, arts organizations, and our own calendars. Kristin Armstrong is an Arts and Nonprofit leader, deeply interested in creating connections and building community. She has been Executive Director at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (West Michigan’s multidisciplinary Art Center) for 21 years and has had the privilege of working alongside artists of all genres and stripes, actors, performers, designers, educators, plus dreamers and party-throwers! Kristin lives in Holland and loves walking trails or the lakeshore, digging into new books and movies, and generally learning new things and meeting new people! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx