Launched in November 2018, the Creativity Everything lab takes a deliberately broad and inclusive approach to creativity, connecting ideas from a range of disciplines, and seeking to embrace a diverse range of creators and creative practices.

The lab was founded by David Gauntlett, the new Tier I Canada Research Chair in the Faculty of Communication and Design, Toronto Metropolitan University. The Canada Research Chair was awarded in recognition of his “world-leading research” with “a long history of public and professional engagement and innovation”. He is the author of several books, including Creative Explorations (2007), Making is Connecting (2011, second edition 2018), Making Media Studies (2015), and Creativity (2022).

The work of Creativity Everything includes three core themes:

(1) Platforms for creativity – to explore how best to support the development and exchange of ideas and innovation;

(2) Creative identities and leadership – to research new and diverse models of leadership and inspiration;

(3) Public understanding of creative practice – to develop new ways of engaging wider audiences with these issues.

The first of these is primarily about developing ‘platforms for creativity’, which can be any kind of tool, environment or event, online or offline, which fosters creative practice. The second is about building diversity and inspiring role models in maker cultures. The third theme is all about public engagement and sharing exciting ideas about creativity with everybody.

Creativity Everything has produced books and articles; several videos; a drawing project; a report on social entrepreneurs for Ashoka and the LEGO Foundation; talks and workshops at the Power Plant, Maker Festival, Toronto libraries, and Montreal Maker Faire; a manifesto; and collaborations with Artscape Launchpad to support digital creators.

We run The Black Mosaic, a virtual hub for Black creatives in Toronto centring reflection and feedback, led by Mir Asoh; and produced the Creativity Everything podcast talking to creative people about their processes and inspirations.