"The myth goes that the true artist is born, mysteriously fully formed in their own exceptional talent. A second myth holds that creativity thrives in adversity; a third that creative sorts are somehow morally wayward, something to be tolerated as long as the results are diverting, but not a model for citizenship. These three combine gloriously in the icon of a lascivious and poverty-stricken Mozart, writing sonatas while still in the womb."
Writes Rufus Norris in the Guardian
"But whatever the reason, the result is that another myth, deeply embedded in our peculiarly British psyche, is being reinforced: that culture and creativity belong naturally to the elite, that they are not for everyone.
And this problem affects us all, because the whole economy needs creative skills. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2020 creativity will be in the top three most important skills for future jobs, alongside complex problem solving and critical thinking. Which are skills innate to and honed by a creative education."
More here in Guardian
I recall hearing Rufus Norris speak to a group of young theatre practitioners starting out, about 20 years ago.
We were at the Young Vic and he was leading a workshop.
He was inspiring and offered much practical advice. Echoed in this quote
"Almost all have got there by two means: elbow grease and support for their creativity. This is what we have learned: just like maths, “creativity should not be perceived as an exceptional talent; it is a basic skill that can be mastered with the right teaching and approach”."