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[wordsnstuff]

Guide To Political World Building

This is also available on wordsnstuffblog.com!

– This is a subject that I see brought up a lot in book reviews by readers, but not very often when it comes to the writing community. I decided to search the internet and my own experience for as many tips and as much advice as I could find to put in one place for you all. I also addressed a lot questions (in fact, more than usual because I know this is a weak point for most fiction authors) in the common struggles section. I hope this is useful to those of you who have a lot of trouble finding help on this. It should help me as well because I’m in the middle of tackling it for my own series. Happy writing!

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Know What Details Are Important

Not all aspects of a political system in a fictional universe are important to the story-telling, especially when the story is more character or plot driven, rather than driven by the world building. It’s important to deliver relevant information to your reader in pieces, and at a pace that enhances their understanding of events and meaning rather than their knowledge of trivial details.

Know Your Demographic & Your Genre

For certain genres and age-demographics, your world building in the area of political systems and implications should be matured or simplified. The majority of your readership should be able to understand what’s going on, and the way you makes sure of that is know who you’re writing the story for. Certain genres also require a lot less complicated detail in political world building. For instance, YA romance should have less political world building than, say, adult fantasy. Sure, maybe in the case of writing a YA romance, there could require some, but definitely not as in-depth as that of the latter. 

Choose A Model to Alter

If you’re going to do it, especially as a beginner, you need to pick some form of inspiration or something similar to what you’re going for. There are so many governmental systems out there that already exist, and if you should research plenty of them and them mix and match, add and subtract, and twist until you have something that serves your story.

Think of The Implications of Details

Every detail that you make prominent in the reader’s mind should be thought out in terms of the implications. Ask yourself how this affects different groups of people, how it’s evolved over time, what it means for the system as a whole, etc. This will make your story more three-dimensional in the reader’s mind.

Find Issues in Power Distribution

Most government tension (throughout history, at least) has come from inequality in the distribution of power. Whether it be between races, classes, branches of government, figures in politics, or groups of people with different opinions, or all of the above combined, most issues stem from the struggle for power, control, and influence over others. Explore this and find new ways to think of how this could be interpreted from your story.

Think of Culture’s Impact on Politics

Culture has a major hand in how politics works. A society’s values, religious majorities and minorities, gender roles, environment, what an average citizen looks like, how citizens are expected to look, act, use their time, etc. These things all impact political situation and how it changes over time with culture, so explore this heavily.

Common Struggles

-- The common struggles section of my “guide to__” posts are general questions sent in by readers on the topic at hand. If you have a question that has not been addressed thus far, you’ll probably find the answer in this section. As always, you’re welcome to send other questions to my inbox if you don’t find the answer in this post. --

~ How do I illustrate the evolution of a society’s politics?... I would choose a few major events and make the causation behind them more prominent than the actual events themselves. History repeats itself, and that’s very important in political foreshadowing and often how a society deals with political situations.

~ How do I write conversations about my world’s politics?... It depends on the tone of these conversations. The way casual conversations about politics are written can tell the reader a lot about your world’s political climate, and can be a very useful device. Heated conversations can be useful in showing different passionate sides of a political issue in your world. I would say, write them carefully and with intention.

~ How do I make the reader invested/interested in the world’s politics?... Show the reader why they should care, make them relate to it, and then make them relate your story to their reality. You have to use literary devices as well. Show, don’t tell works really well here. Don’t show the main character reflecting that the conflicts at the war front are bad. Show the war front. Show the severity. Make them feel the heavy emotions of the people. Show them the real stakes of the political decisions being dealt with in the story.

~ How do I create believable racial tensions?... Again, just mirror reality. Understand why racial tensions exist and mirror that in your story’s context. Racial tension is majorly caused by fear, prejudice, and response to the “other side”. It’s often a long, ongoing battle because it’s rooted in the way people are raised and the constant environment around them. Racism is taught, so show it’s bigger, more outstanding moments, as well as its less prominent ones. No political issue arises exclusively from large, explosive moments. It’s made up of a few big ones, notable ones, and then the many, millions of little contributing moments and factors.

~ How do I write reasonable opposition groups?... You’re the author, so you have the unique opportunity of setting the reader up to see the reasoning behind both or all sides. You can show the evidence and logic behind each one, and make the reader understand why each side believes what they believe, and the personal engagement that leads each side to fight so hard.

~ How do I connect a caste system to political tension?... Political tension within caste systems are commonly caused by people’s natural desire for power and control, which leads to dissatisfaction in cases of being on the less fortunate side of inequality. Caste systems are also typically a pyramid, which means there’s more of the underdogs. These things combine to create political storms because on one side you have few people and lots of power that add up to just a bit more than a lot of people with less power individually, but more when pooled. 

~ How to I create a corrupt government without too many clichés?... The most cliché thing about typical corrupt governments is the one-dimensional evil figures that lead to corruption. Very few authors explore what leads a human who’s only job is to protect the people to turn against them. Explore their motivations and their personal struggle and justifications and you’ll have a more interesting and impactful corrupt government.

~ How do I illustrate a positive government that doesn’t come off as suspicious?... Work hard on perfecting tone, be very careful with what could be interpreted as foreshadowing, and show genuine goodness in not only the government’s words and actions, but actual results. Show your government talking the talk, and then walking the walk.

~ How do I set up the climax of a political issue?... Show the slow burn, and then the inciting events that set off the inevitable explosion. You need to establish to the reader that something is going to happen no matter what, but make the actual consequence and its place in time a surprise. 

~ How do I develop a governmental system from the ground up for the sake of the plot itself?... As I said in a previous point, use a model or several to take inspiration from. In the case of world building being the centre of your story, build your world and your plot together so they complement one another. 

Other Resources From My Blog That Help With This:

How To Write A Good Plot Twist

How To Foreshadow

Commentary On Social Issues In Writing

Tackling Subplots

How To Perfect The Tone In A Piece Of Writing

Tips On Writing About Mental Illness

A Guide To Tension & Suspense In Your Writing

Writing Good Villains

Tips On Writing Intense Scenes

Finding & Fixing Plot Holes

Resources For Crime, Mystery, & Thriller Writers

Resources For Writing Science Fiction

Resources For Writing Dystopian/Apocalypse

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: High Middle Ages & Renaissance

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: 1600s

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: 1700s

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: 1800s

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: 1900-1939

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: 1940-1969

Resources For Writing Period Pieces: 1970-1999

Useful Writing Resources

Useful Writing Resources II

Resources For Writing Sketchy Topics

Resources For Worldbuilding

Resources For Plot Development

Resources For Creating Characters

Mimicking Diversity In Science Fiction/Fantasy

Writing About Another Era

On Making Scenes/Characters Unpredictable

Info-dumping

Writing About Uncomfortable Topics

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[kevinmelly]

Economics - Psychology's Neglected Branch

"It is impossible to describe any human action if one does not refer to the meaning the actor sees in the stimulus as well as in the end his response is aiming at. " --Ludwig von Mises Economics - to the great dismay of economists - is merely a branch of psychology. It deals with individual behaviour and with mass behaviour. Many of its practitioners sought to disguise its nature for a social science by applying complex mathematics where common sense and direct experimentation would have yielded far better results. The outcome has been an embarrassing divorce between economic theory and its subjects. The economic actor is assumed to be constantly engaged in the rational pursuit of self interest. This is not a realistic model - merely a useful approximation. According to this latter day - rational - version of the dismal science, people try to keep from repeating their mistakes systematically. They seek to optimize their preferences. Altruism can be such a preference, as well. Still, many people are nonrational or only nearly rational in certain situations. And the definition of "self-interest" as the pursuit of the fulfillment of preferences is a tautology. The theory fails to predict important phenomena such as "strong reciprocity" - the propensity to "irrationally" sacrifice resources to reward forthcoming collaborators and punish free-riders. It even fails to account for simpler forms of apparent selflessness, such as reciprocal altruism (motivated by hopes of reciprocal benevolent treatment in the future). Even the authoritative and mainstream 1995 "Handbook of Experimental Economics", by John Hagel and Alvin Roth (eds. ) admits that people do not behave in accordance with the predictions of basic economic theories, such as the standard theory involving utility and the theory of general equilibrium. Irritatingly for economists, people change their preferences mysteriously and irrationally. This is called "preference reversals". Moreover, people's preferences, as evidenced by their choices and decisions in carefully controlled experiments, are inconsistent. They tend to lose control of their actions or procrastinate because they place greater importance (i. e., greater "weight") on the present and the not to distant future than on the far future. This makes most people both irrational and unpredictable. Either one cannot design an experiment to rigorously and validly test theorems and conjectures in economics - or something is very flawed with the intellectual pillars and models of this field. Neo-classical economics has failed on several fronts simultaneously. This multiple failure led to despair and the re-examination of basic precepts and tenets. Consider this sample of outstanding issues: Unlike other economic actors and agents, governments are accorded a special status and receive special treatment in economic theory. Government is alternately cast as a saint, seeking to selflessly maximize social welfare - or as the villain, seeking to perpetuate and increase its power ruthlessly, as per public choice theories. Both views are caricatures associated with reality. Governments indeed seek to perpetuate their clout and increase it - but they do so mostly in order to redistribute income and rarely for self-enrichment. Economics also failed until recently to account for the role of innovation in growth and development. The discipline often ignored the specific nature of knowledge industries (where returns increase rather than diminish and network effects prevail). Consequently, current economic thinking is woefully inadequate to deal with information monopolies (such as Microsoft), path dependence, and pervasive externalities. Classic cost/benefit analyses fail to tackle very long term investment horizons (i. e., periods). Their underlying assumption - the opportunity cost of delayed consumption - fails when applied beyond the investor's useful economic life expectancy. People care less about their grandchildren's future as compared to about their own. This is because predictions concerned with the far future are highly uncertain and investors refuse to base current decisions on fuzzy "what ifs". This is a problem because many current investments, such as the fight against global warming, are likely to yield results only decades hence. There is no effective method of cost/benefit analysis applicable to such time horizons. How are consumer choices influenced by advertising and just by pricing? No one seems to have a clear answer. Advertising is concerned with the dissemination of information. Yet it is also a signal sent to consumers that a certain product is useful and qualitative and that the advertiser's stability, longevity, and profitability are secure. Advertising communicates a long term commitment to a winning product by a firm with deep pockets. This is why patrons react to the level of visual exposure to advertising - regardless of its content. Humans may very well be too multi-dimensional and hyper-complex to be usefully captured by econometric models. These either lack predictive powers or lapse into logical fallacies, such as the "omitted variable bias" or "reverse causality". The former is concerned with important variables unaccounted for - the latter with reciprocal causation, when every cause is also caused by its own effect. These are symptoms of an all-pervasive malaise. Economists are simply lost what precisely constitutes their subject matter. Is economics about the construction and testing of models in accordance with certain basic assumptions? Or should it revolve around the mining of data for emerging patterns, rules, and "laws"? On the one hand, patterns based on limited - or, worse, nonrecurrent - sets of data form a questionable foundation for any kind of "science". On the other hand, models based on assumptions are in doubt because they are bound to be replaced by new models with new, hopefully improved, assumptions. One way around this apparent quagmire is to put human cognition (i. e., psychology) at the heart of economics. Assuming that being human is an immutable and knowable constant - it should be amenable to scientific treatment. "Prospect theory", "bounded rationality theories", and the study of "hindsight bias" as well as other cognitive deficiencies are definitely the outcomes of this approach. To qualify as science, economic theory must satisfy the following cumulative conditions: All-inclusiveness (anamnetic) - It must encompass, integrate, and incorporate all the facts known about economic behaviour. Coherence - It must be chronological, structured and causal. It must explain, for instance, why a certain economic policy leads to specific economic outcomes - and why. Consistency - It ought to be self-consistent. Its sub-"units" cannot contradict one another or go against the grain of the main "theory". It must also be consistent with the observed phenomena, both those related to economics and those pertaining to noneconomic human behaviour. It must adequately cope with irrationality and cognitive deficits. Logical compatibility - It must not violate the laws of its internal logic and the rules of logic "out there", inside real world. Insightfulness - It must cast the familiar in a new light, mine patterns and rules from big bodies of data ("data mining"). Its insights must be the inevitable conclusion of the logic, the language, and the evolution of the theory. Aesthetic - Economic theory must be both plausible and "right", beautiful (aesthetic), not cumbersome, not awkward, not discontinuous, smooth, and so on. Parsimony - The theory must employ a minimum number of assumptions and entities to explain the maximum number of observed economic behaviours. Explanatory Powers - It must explain the behaviour of economic actors, their decisions, and why economic events develop the way they do. Predictive (prognostic) Powers - Economic theory must be able to predict future economic events and trends as well as the future behaviour of economic actors. Prescriptive Powers - The theory must yield policy prescriptions, much like physics yields technology. Economists must develop "economic technology" - a set of tools, blueprints, rules of thumb, and mechanisms with the power to change the " economic world". Imposing - It must be regarded by society as the preferable and guiding organizing principle in the economic sphere of human behaviour. Elasticity - Economic theory must possess the built-in abilities to self organize, reorganize, give room to emerging order, accommodate new data comfortably, and avoid rigid reactions to attacks from within and from without. Many current economic theories do not meet these cumulative criteria and are, thus, merely glorified narratives. But meeting the above conditions is not enough. Scientific theories must also pass the crucial hurdles of testability, verifiability, refutability, falsifiability, together with repeatability. Yet, many economists go as far as to argue that no experiments can be designed to test the statements of economic theories. It is difficult - perhaps impossible - to test hypotheses in economics for four reasons. Ethical - Experiments would have to involve human subjects, ignorant of the reasons for the experiments and their aims. Sometimes even the very existence of an experiment will have to remain some sort of secret (as with double blind experiments). Some experiments may involve unpleasant experiences. This is ethically unacceptable. Design Problems - The design of experiments in economics is awkward and difficult. Mistakes are often inevitable, however careful and meticulous the designer of the experiment is. The Psychological Uncertainty Principle - The current mental state of a human subject can be (theoretically) fully known. But the passage of your energy and, sometimes, the experiment itself, influence the subject and alter his or her mental state - a problem known in economic literature as "time inconsistencies". The very processes of measurement and observation influence the subject and change it. Uniqueness - Experiments in economics, therefore , tend to be unique. They cannot be repeated even when the SAME subjects are involved, simply because no human subject remains the same for long. Repeating the trials with other subjects casts in doubt the scientific value of the results. The undergeneration of testable hypotheses - Economic theories do not generate a sufficient number of hypotheses, which can be subjected to scientific testing. This has to do with the fabulous (i. e., storytelling) nature of the discipline. In a way, economics has an affinity with some private languages. It is a form of art and, as such, it is self-sufficient and self-contained. When certain structural, internal constraints and requirements are met - a statement in economics is deemed to be true even if it does not satisfy external (scientific) requirements. Thus, the standard theory of utility is considered valid in economics despite overwhelming empirical evidence to the contrary - simply because it is aesthetic and mathematically convenient. So , what are economic "theories" good for? Economic "theories" and narratives offer a great organizing principle, a sense of order, predictability, and justice. They postulate an inexorable drive toward greater welfare and utility (i. e., the idea of progress). They render our chaotic world meaningful and make us feel part of a larger whole. Economics strives to answer the "why's" and "how's" of our daily life. It is dialogic and prescriptive (i. e., provides behavioural prescriptions). In certain options, it is akin to religion. In its catechism, the believer (let's say, a politician) asks: "Why... (and here follows an economic problem or behaviour)". The economist answers: "The situation is like this not because the world is whimsically cruel, irrational, and arbitrary - but because... (and here follows a causal explanation based on an economic model). If you were to do this or that situation is bound to improve". The believer feels reassured by this explanation and by the explicit affirmation that there is hope providing he follows the prescriptions. His belief in the existence of linear order and justice administered by some supreme, transcendental principle is restored. This sense of "law and order" is further enhanced when the theory yields predictions which come true, either because they are self-fulfilling or because some real "law", or pattern, has emerged. Alas, this happens rarely. As "The Economist" notes gloomily, economists have the most disheartening record of failed predictions - and prescriptions.

[mystarmyangel]

[TRANS-200321 Interview ] [90-ers are coming] Lim YoonA “In the past 13 years.. I have been working hard to portray a new side of me”

This is a new generation where dramas and movies are received well publicly. Just like the buzzword ‘The 90-ers are coming’, they are creating huge influence socially and culturally, this is the 90-ers. Sports Chosun marks its 30th anniversary since the launch on 21 March 1990, and we took this chance to speak with friends of the same age. Just like the phrase ’90-ers are coming’ we invited the 3 main characters of the new troika: Shin Sekyung, Go Ara, Lim YoonA.

Lim YoonA who debuted in 2007 through SNSD’s single album ‘Into The New World’ has also started her acting career through ‘9 Ends 2 Outs’ at the same time, clearly showing her charms as an all-round entertainer right from the start. YoonA debuted as a member of Korea’s top idol group SNSD and has gained immerse popularity domestically and aboard. Other than actively promoting as a singer, YoonA has also actively met viewers through ‘You Are My Destiny (2008)’, ‘Cinderella Man (2009)’, ‘Love Rain (2012)’, ‘Prime Minister & I (2013)’, ‘The K2 (2016)’, ‘The King In Love (2017)’.

‘The True All-round Entertainer’ Lim YoonA debuted on the big screen in 2017 through the movie ‘Confidential Assignment’, establishing herself as an actress through dramas and movies. Last year, YoonA starred in the movie ‘EXIT’ which receives an excellent result of 9.4m moviegoers, dominating the movie screen last summer. YoonA also won the popularity award at ‘The 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards’ and the best new actress award at ‘The 20th Women In Film Festival’ etc. She is also in the center among all the 90-ers, earning attention for her future works.

Q: Recently, ’90-ers are coming’ has become a buzzword and is gaining attention and spreading through the society. The entertainment industry is no exception, there are even sayings that ‘1990-born actresses performances are especially outstanding’. How do you feel being part of it? A: First of all, I am thankful for the compliment. The 1990-born are all stepping into 30s. Not only towards work and career, there are also many changes to our personal growth. The energy that we exuded are also different from the past. I think that these positive energies come from all the areas we are active in. The 90-ers are dazzling in their own aspect of performances in the society. I am happy and grateful to receive this interview.    

Q: Speaking of ‘1990-born’, it seems everyone feel that it is a generation that is between middle-aged and the youths. Do you face any difficulties in real life? A: Just like how we have many sunbaes when we first debut, right now our hoobaes are getting more and more too. It is especially when we attend music events, there are more hoobaes than sunbaes. But on the contrary, when I am shooting dramas and movies, the people I mostly work with are my sunbaes and I am usually the maknae there.

Since I have only filmed 2 movies thus far, I received a lot of help from the sunbaes and they take care of me well. So rather than saying there are difficulties, I received more help from them. And it is precisely because I received a lot of help, I also thought about my past experiences when I see my hoobaes, I hope that I can help and take care of them with my own experience.

Q: From Eun San in ‘The King In Love’ to ‘EXIT’ you acted as the main leads, everyone think that you have gotten more mature in the selection of role. What are the reasons that make you chose those roles? I am curious if the criteria of choosing roles and the aspects of your life have changed? A: I used to be very conscious of outside view. From few years ago, I started to get rid of this mindset and focus more on my personal growth. When choosing project, I will think of what I can learn from acting in this project and playing this role, disregarding the outcome. I will consider if I will be able to portray a new side of me, I decide on project and role based on these criteria. Although I indeed am more attracted towards characters that are active and determined, but I do not wish to be limit myself to only these genres or characters. I tend to choose projects and roles of what I feel and am attracted to. So regardless of the outcome, at least I will be satisfied with the results.  

Q: It has been 13 years since you debut as a member of SNSD, in this period you have also done a variety of activities, can you comment on this duration as an actress? A: In actual fact, I auditioned numerous times before landing a role in my debut drama ‘9 Ends 2 Outs’. I debut as an actress first and one month later I debut as a member of SNSD. After which I acted in ‘You Are My Destiny’ as my first leading role. Thereafter even though I do not have a lot of acting projects, my acting activity has never stop. Promoting as a member of SNSD and as an actress, I was able to show a variety of things parallelly. It seems like I have spent the past 13 years displaying different sides of me to everyone.

Particularly from the movie ‘Confidential Assignment’, I felt that the standards of what I want to show have changed. After ‘Confidential Assignment’, I have also displayed new sides of me through ‘Hyori’s Homestay 2’ and ‘EXIT’ which I have also received love from everyone. This became an opportunity for me to broaden my views.

To be honest, I have less experience in acting as compared to my singing career, so I want to accumulate more experience in acting.

Rather than giving a commentary on the past, I would like to say that those are the days where I have worked really hard running to where I am today. So right now rather than saying I want to change my past’s image, it is more like ‘the same me who has went through different kind of experiences think it’s the time now to show different sides of myself to the viewers’.

Q: Please tell us what it means to live as a celebrity in Korea? A: Of course, there are times when it is hard to live as a celebrity and it is true that there are many responsibilities that come along too. However, I personally think that I have also gained special power from the love I received from everyone. The reality is, I wish for more freedom and more ordinary life too, however I do know that I can’t have everything I want.

Not only celebrities, but all occupations and everyone will face some difficulties and have their pros and cons. If I think it this way, then I wouldn’t have thoughts like ‘it is celebrity this title that gives me these difficulties’, so long as you change your perspective, celebrity this title also brought many strengths.

Most importantly, I have received a lot of love as SNSD’s YoonA and actress Lim YoonA, even up till now I am still receiving so many cheers and love. So, I am always grateful for that and want to show an even better side of me.

Q: As a 1990-born young actress, what is the biggest worry you have lately? A: Firstly, the thing I thought of the most is definitely my next project. I am thinking what different side of me I can show and will prepare myself to present a better side of me. Also, it’s the things I have been learning and trying new things in my everyday life. As I look back on my life, the Lim YoonA as a celebrity seem to be consistently busy, but the Lim YoonA as an ordinary person did not seem to have done much, so I am taking some time to search for myself and to try new things. While on a break, I cook comfortably at home, go travelling and exercising. Not long ago, I took up HSKK (Chinese Proficiency Conversation Test) and passed it. The time that I used to do all these, I feel like it has become a time for me to recharge myself.

Q: Lastly, can you reveal thoughts on your future activities and the plans you have for the next 10 years as a 90-er. A: I am good at doing things that are in front of me, and not the kind that will plan big ahead, so it is difficult to explicitly talk of my future plans. I am curious too! I think that going forward I will still be giving my best in the situation I am in and showing my best side too. Everyone do take care of your health and cheer up!

Source: Naver Cr Chinese Trans by Limyoonabar (木白 & 黃黃) Eng Trans: mystarmyangel (1) (2)

[jeanjauthor]

I want people to read the creator’s message below today’s webcomic, and then I want folks (who have the spoons to spare for it) to read the commentary below, and especially Mr. Morris’ replies to many of those comments.  These dialogues between creators and viewers are very important when it comes to messages like this, ones which could be misconstrued when encountered without context.

For my part, I deeply appreciate that he posted his remark. He is a good guy, he does try to “mix it up” to diffuse & disperse bigotry moments (not perfectly, but nobody is ever going to be perfect)...but that isn’t the point.  And it isn’t a point of “performative” apologizing.  It’s not a performance; he genuinely feels bad about the timing of all of this and the potential for someone who hasn’t read the (massive) backlog of stories in the archives to see only surface images.

Regardless of what longtime or even shortime fans know about the story, regardless of utter newbs coming to the webcomic to view it...that statement needs to be there.

As I posted to Anonymous earlier regarding whether or not to include racial slurs in historical settings...to ignore that it happened, to ignore what it looks & sounds & feels like, is to try to deny the pains of the past, present, and future.

By pinning that particular message to this particular comic, Rick Morris is assuring people for generations to come that he knows the differences between fiction, reality, longterm plotlines and surface appearances.  He knows, he acknowledges, he pledges to keep working toward being a better storyteller & artist...and that’s an important message for everyone to receive.  Not just to inspire others, not just to apologize and explain context, but to renew his own pledges to himself & his readers that he’ll keep working on being better.

Storytellers don’t always tell comfortable stories.  Sometimes we tell ones that are meant to hurt, in order to evoke emotions that can create not just sympathy but empathy for the suffering of others...and sometimes that backfires.  Sometimes we tell ones that hurt in additional ways, in very unexpected and unfortunate and/or badly timed ways, increasing the pain for some.

Intention is an important part of storytelling, because most stories have a lesson to teach to our audiences.  (Not all need to have one, but most have something for others to learn.)  Intention also includes trying to be aware of unintended outcomes.

One of those lessons occurred today in a storyline that has been building to this climactic moment for literally the last four-plus years.  No one could’ve predicted how real world events played out.  At the same time, it would be wrong to stop telling this story to “wait for a better time.��  There won’t be a better time for it.

Changing systemic racism will still take years and decades more to come, even if this is a manual-transmission-clutch moment, where we could wind up going faster in our forward progress, or find ourselves dropped into reverse, with a possibly broken transmission. (Hopefully not, but not holding my breath. I got better things to do with my energy.)  So there literally won’t be a better time for this story.

Instead, we need to acknowledge that these visualizations do exist without proper context, and that even with context it can still cause some folks to feel hurt.  Mr. Morris understands if new folks won’t want to start reading the rest of the story because of this one scene (and the following pages involving the rest of this scene).  That’s part of the message that needs to be told.

That’s part of the pain that needs to be acknowledged. It is not intentional, it isn’t the best timing, but it is acknowledged...and all he asks is that folks consider giving the whole story a try.

I’ve been following his webcomic for a very long time, and I can personally say his characters are vastly diverse, and that he does tackle bigotry head-on in multiple ways with multiple races, genders, social classes, and more.  Is it completely problem-free? Nope! But like reality, the characters do learn & change & grow, the creator does, too...and many of his characters have some absolutely outstanding character growth.

You don’t have to give YAFGC a try, but I do hope you’ll read the message & the comment interactions if you’re a writer (or an artist)...because these interactions are a good set of dialogues about this subject, how to handle it, how to agree or disagree, and how to be polite when the latter happens.

Personally, I am deeply pleased to see he didn’t shrug off his responsibility to post that note, and isn’t shrugging it off...like a number of the commenters imply he could’ve done instead, via their absolution-style comments.  Instead, he’s doing the work that is necessary, even if it’s seen by some as extra, unnecessary work. That’s something all of us need to step up and do, for this kind of topic.  Acknowledge the inadvertent visualizations, and apologize for them.

...

Speaking of which...in The Song, I created the character of Duke Finneg, Councilor of Conflict Resolution for the Empire of Katan. The continent of the Empire of Katan is longer than it is wide, stretching from the Sun’s Belt (equator) in the north toward the Ice Sea in the south (separating Katan from the southern polar landmass, smaller than Antarctica and just as uninhabited).

When I populated the landmass that was Katan, I knew that there would be dark-skinned folk in the northern regions close to the Equator, and pale-skinned folks in the southern regions close to the south pole, because that’s literally why we have skin color variations.  Those that live in the middle lattitudes have a mix of skin hues, some paler, some darker, and plenty of people have traveled all over and settled in different areas than those their ancestors were born & raised in, even if the majority of everyone really don’t move very far.  (If you look at the real world, this is basically how reality works, too.)

This logical pattern is repeated all over the world of the DestinyVerse.  In areas with thick rainforests like Natallia, which are tropical to subtropical, the people are tanned but paler in melanin coloration than Sundara, which is a desert environment with few trees for shade (again like the real world we live in).  There are slaves in some countries & cultures, and there are anti-slavery laws in others.  There are good people, and there are bad people, and there are indifferent or self-focused people who just are either apathetic or oblivious to what’s going on around them...exactly like the real world.  But it is not our world

So when I designed the appearance of Duke Finneg, a Katani mage of important political power who was destined (plotwise) to have a high-strung temper and an increasingly unhinged world-view because of self-delusional closed-minded thinking...I was tempted to make him white, to be honest.  But since he’s from Katan, he could’ve been from any point on that continent. 

The Corvis brothers are mid-lattitude with a variety of transcontinental intermarriages in previous generations, but in general are lightly tanned, almond-eyed, and have hair from light blond to jet black, because that’s how genetic inheritances work in their particular bloodline (and I needed a way to easily tell brothers apart description-wise...but I honestly have seen some families with blond, brunette, & redheaded members).  (That, and it’s a non-Earth world, so, I could make shh up like that.)

(If you honestly want to know what the Corvid brothers look like, they’re a blend of East/Southeast Asian & European, with more in the way of Asian features and that wider range of European haircolors, same as most Katani from the mid-latitudes...though some on the east coast mid latitudes look more Latinx than Asian, like the folks from the western side tend to look.)

So when it came to the main protagonist for the fourth book in the series...I decided to roll a dice for his origination point, low for somewhere in the south (pale & blond), high for up near the equator (dark & brunette). I wrote down the general characteristics for each of the numbers/regions that might come up (I don’t have the paper anymore, alas, it got lost in one of my household moves)...and I rolled.  (With real D&D style dice, because I’m a frikkin nerrrrd, duh.)  The dice rolled high, aka his family is from a region up by the equator region where there isn’t much shade and dark skin tones are needed to ward off skin cancer...so I wrote him to be dark-skinned, etc. It was literally a random dice roll.

There are other characters in The Song and in other books of the DestinyVerse, showing various skintones & social backgrounds.  Some are high-ranked, some are low-ranked. There are skin hues and hair colors in a wide range of hues. There are cultures with social equality, and cultures that are extremely bigoted (yes, Mandare, I’m talking about YOU)...but they’re not Earth cultures, and they don’t necessarily have real-world problems.

But I can see how they can be seen that way if you just pick up the book, rifle through it, see that Duke Finneg is an increasingly unstable hardass with a hate-on for the people on Nightfall Isle (spoiler alert, if a bit late)...and read that he’s got dark skin and brown eyes, etc, and perhaps feel hurt that he’s a Black Man being typecast as the Bad Guy from reading just one scene, with nothing of any further context than just that.

So I apologize for that.  I was trying to write a story set within the context of its own universe, with its own distinct and different cultures, and viewed that particular character--the same with everyone else in the book--while writing the story from that viewpoint.  Literally, I rolled up the physical characteristics for most of the Katani characters on that “this is where they’re from” sheet, which is why the harbormaster and his husband in the later books look the way they do, why the various other Councilors look the way they do, etc, etc.

But that doesn’t negate the fact that one of my villain characters is an increasingly unstable darkskinned male, and for anyone who has been hurt or offended by that description for my antagonist/villain character, I apologize.  It was not my intent to perpetuate a false, harmful stereotype from our own world.  It was just a random description roll for a stereotype that (in my mind, at least) has nothing to do with race--and nothing to do with genuine mental health issues--and everything to do with closed-minded attitudes toward “inferiors” and clinging to those mental dogmas rather than releasing them and admitting one has gotten an opinion/viewpoint of others deeply wrong.

I’m working on being better, as a writer.  And to be fair, when you look at the whole context of all my writings, I’m doing a better job when it comes to ensuring diversity for protagonists and antagonists than the majority of published authors (most of whom are white). I’m particularly pleased with my IaVerse, where the main & secondary & other important Human characters come from a wide variety of backgrounds, the chief villains aren’t relatable to anything stereotypically Human, and positions of authority & power are not only achievable, but also removable and/or punishable if one steps too far out of line when it comes to acceptable/forgivable behavior.

The one thing I will always try to do is to try to tell a better story.  People may still get hurt, but my stories will have context, and lessons, and the message that respect, tolerance, and compassion for nearly everyone is very important.

(I will, however, uphold the paradox of tolerance by asserting the lesson of refusing to tolerate the intolerant in order to preserve the existence of tolerance, and I will always encourage the metaphorical/allegorical punching of Nazi types.  Or actual punching in stories, particularly the milSF ones...but then that is a genuine official trope of the military fiction genre.)

[halilog-blog]

Acer Aspire 5 Audit Light-weight and 1-5 Incher at $399

While still PCs prove that, no matter the shake outlays, they are sometimes consummately proficient great high quality PCs are becoming thinner, lighter, lighter, and expensive. The machines, as an instance, the Acer Aspire 5 are still noticeable by the bulk of those PC buyers. Acer Aspire 5 is more light-weight and costs around $399 2500 (AU$500).In the place of using plans and the latest invention, a numbers of the mid-officers perform their undertakings and unobtrusively while striking a balance among ground-breaking and refreshed specialized components and staying in touch costs only can be expected under the conditions.Medium-run PCs would be the well along the best way to get from a substantial quantity folks and therefore so are perfect at case you will want some thing future-evidence, simply because they've significantly more dominant and more fresh parts compared to high priced machines, yet they'd like never to handle the price of those chances.Acer has Morning Acer Aspire 5 to now add Intel Center chips from the age, therefore today is the moment.

Access and Altered:

In the united kingdom, probably the most paid off expected Aspire 5 features a8 GB DDR4 Slam, Intel i3-6006U process or, inch incorporated examples, also 5.9-inch 1080p display. The Acer Aspire 5 is currently extended in a range of settings and costs, starting at approximately $399 (roughly #300, respectively AU$ 500) to your Acer Aspire 5 A515-51-3509 together using Intel Center I 3 7100U Processors and also a 15.6-inch Total HD Display. Aspire 5 Australia is your cheapest version and highlights an I5 8250U chip with an Intel Center i5 15.6″x 768 display, a 15.6 GB Smash plus a GeForce 940MX charge card.There are still an enormous quantity of Acer Aspire 5 installments to select, that may differ depending up on your geographical area, together with best in category models including an Intel Center i-7 8550U, 17.3in. 1080p, 1-2 GB Smash, a HDD and also SSD and outstanding Nvidia GeForce MX150 GPU designs sparkle to get $999.99 (roughly #700, AU $1,200). Beyond these constraints, just really a exhibit is of controller alternatives.The version analyzed here may be your Intel Center i-5 8250U layouts, 8 GB DDR4 Smash, 256 GB SSD, along with Acer Aspire 5 A515-51-50Y5.

Plan:

The design of this Acer Aspire 5 will be likely to be thin as ultra-books such as Dell's XPS 1 3 or a sus' ZenBook 3 nothing is striking. It does not mean it has nothing to offer you. The Acer Aspire 5 is just really a significant PC having a magnitude of 2.16×38.16×26.3 cm and burden of 2.20 kilogram, but it is not overly big or difficult to vehicle. Be as it can, it is possible to believe that its difficult to whip outside and have an attempt at a train.It's really a system with a handful of of structures. The body has been created of vinyl and also it includes an symbol from Acer along with a surface.The screen is significantly far much better than ordinary, using a huge bezel After an PC start. The half an base backings as you are able to without much of a stretch switch web-cam console.

 The bottom bezel has an Acer logo and under the work station pivot, graved'Aspire' gives an touch. The pivot makes it possible to improve the display at borders it's nothing but a PC which may reverse 360-degrees into a position.Acer Aspire 5 comes supplied with two USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 memory jack, USB C memory jack, Ethernet memory-card, and SD companion.We would desire to get the following USB 2.0 interfaces, the USB C interface can be definitely an invitation expansion, which supplies you with a particular level of prospective assurance.

Console and Touch-pad:

There has been A coating revealed at the lower 1 / 2 the work station having its console and touch pad. It has been given a conclusion by acer, yet it is less superior since aluminum lovely. It did not require much energy to this touch pad.The console is tremendous, making writing about it pleasant to get a term it isn't the console that is pleasant games or very responsive that we've attempted with consoles.The Acer Aspire 5's tremendous framing component rendering it possible to put up the touch pad, that is counter-balanced to a single side of their body's point.The size would make it easy to use moves, for example tweaking two palms however a few may believe that its aggravating after writing once they break the hands of their curser onto it to zoom out. The touch-pad feels small and plastic, and it is actually just really a disgrace.

Value--ACER ASPIRE 5:

Acer Aspire 5 is still a work station for undertakings, that's that the variable within it. The strong nation drive (SSD) keeps Windows-10 quite fast and invisibly multi-functional chips with 8 GB of Smash along with quad-center Intel Center i78550U. Aspire 5 works for Windows work space software that are overall --it will not feel as quick as PCs it's perfect for missions.Even as we have established, the SSD of this version we tried guarantees matters work quicker, so we'd advocate a SSD version -- ideally with a conventional drive if your spending instincts. Even the 256 GB SSD was 5 to finish establishments you might wind up needing putting funds into an plate that is hard to oblige media and your applications.The IPS monitor is fine; as we all watched portables, the distinction isn't as eloquent. Whatever the scenario, a full-hd (1920x 1080) screen is welcome also produces pictures and films seem far more advanced than PCs with lesser aims, and also the Acer Shading Knowledge innovation aspire to improve gamma and immersion onto the screen as ardently as possible to produce it look at precisely exactly the exact identical class as possible.We never have seen comparison, by, and very enough , the screen could be suitable for missions that are standard . On the off likelihood, you will see an system Whatever the instance you want to improve records or photographs.Intel 620UHD's illustrations that are card can not deal irrespective of a handful games that are great with day matches. Any sensible man would agree.

Battery Life:

Acer Aspire 5 maintained going minutes and half an hour utilising the PCMark 8, replicating moderate to use batteries that were large that was notable. It can occupy battery lifetime if working with the internet, you reduce the display.It in virtually any event indicates that you are able to burn off up the most of a day.The battery normally can take a little time three hrs to rekindle.

 The Acer Aspire 5 has been very theraputic for all of people separated out of the touch-pad that is loosed, it's quality and a plan. The range of vents is welcome also leaves this toaster and workstation with a couple peripherals lifetime.We did not care for your touch pad, and it is really a point.The screen is a tiny washed off, much less incredible as we may want to look in regard.

Last Choice:

The Acer Aspire 5 is still really just a decision on the off likelihood that you're browsing to get a PC it does not cost substantially does not bargain the essence of ones that are older and segments. The version we've tried was perhaps not competent while with respect to layouts.Together these traces the Aspire 5 values considering that you desire daily missions without linking to an energy attachment, battery lifetime has been amazing.But in case you want your work station manage graphics and video shifting or to conduct day matches that are present, you ought to choose still yet another.

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[pinkanchorlovestuff-blog]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[lovefuturisticmgtow]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[psychedelic-killer]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[softsadsheep-blog]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[fakenctfan-blog]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[shawnmendesandtomholland-th-blog]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[yoongisfoollove]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[yourthelastofulquiblog]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[snitcherin-blog1]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

[megarevelatory]

Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.

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Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art

I had the privilege of assembly the fantastic Gordon Kerr on the current Ink of Mild Baha’i Writers’ Pageant, and he informed me about an superior initiative he’s began within the UK referred to as ‘Creative Circles’.

Creative Circles is a small retreat for those striving to serve humanity via artwork, and it’s a gathering where artists of every type come together from around the globe for every week of masterclasses, workshops, shows, and the sharing of experiences. It’s also a chance for artists to explore their pursuits and nurture their artistic skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and help.

I absolutely love the thought of Creative Circles and I needed to know more, so here’s what Gordon had to say about this great initiative:

Baha’i Blog: Hi Gordon, are you able to tell us just a little bit about Creative Circles and what it’s all about?

Creative Circles are a collection of small scale retreats meant to attraction to artists from throughout the artistic spectrum. They bring about collectively writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and performance artists who attempt to hold spirit on the centre of their apply, no matter their self-discipline. They are distinctive within the distinctive welcoming spirit we attempt to foster and concentrate on personal and social transformation via the follow of artwork.

Baha’i Blog: What was your motivation in beginning Creative Circles?

I consider that art is important for our private and social improvement and that encouragement and help is important if artists are to fulfil their position as torchbearers of a brand new world civilisation. I was privileged to work for the Nationwide Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK for some 18 years, the place as supervisor of the Baha’i Publishing Belief I used to be in a position to work with writers, artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians from all all over the world. Since shifting to China in 2000 I’ve continued to work within the subject of schooling, publishing and arts administration, operating summer time arts camps and packages in artistic educating strategies for native faculties and universities and serving as director of several arts and educational organisations.

Gordon Kerr, Creative Circles founder.

Over four many years I have seen how we frequently wrestle to value the contribution that artists could make to the event and enlargement of the Baha’i group. I have additionally witnessed how many gifted and sensitive souls who sought in several ways to supply their art as a response to the Revelation, have been typically ignored, had their motives impugned or have been even abused in several methods. This is typically a results of inexperience or unrealistic expectations on the a part of artists, but in addition due to slender mindsets, cultural ignorance, or insecurity within sure sections of the Baha’i group. Sadly, this resulted in many of those gifted souls, including lots of my closest associates, leaving the Faith or turning into marginalised inside the Baha’i group. The state of affairs has significantly improved, but many souls nonetheless bear deep scars which prohibit their potential and others still find it troublesome to play a fulfilling position within the Baha’i group. I needed to do something about that and so spent several years consulting buddies, mentors, establishments and learning related steerage.

Baha’i Blog: How are they organised?

Creative Circles are organised and sponsored by the Dazzling Spark Arts Basis. This privately funded foundation was started in 2013 in Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to Scotland. The purpose is to create a everlasting legacy to these “never to be forgotten days” by encouraging and supporting artists who use their skills in service to humanity.

This yr we are organising three Creative Circles in Northumberland, UK. Every residential program lasts for 3 days and has a slightly totally different focus, Literary Arts 16-18 July, Music & Performing Arts 19-21 July and Visual Arts 22-24 July. We hope to host other Creative Circles at other occasions of the yr in several venues and are exploring the thought of rolling packages in Europe, North America and Asia which can scale back costs and travelling distances and permit more artists to participate.

We nonetheless have a couple of places left on this yr’s program however we attempt to hold all our Creative Circles quite small in order that we will keep an intimate setting where everyone has the prospect to share and turn into absolutely engaged. As a non-profit company we attempt to maintain prices as little as we will and supply subsidies to those on restricted incomes. Tickets might be be booked instantly although this hyperlink.

Baha’i Weblog: Why do you assume it’s essential to have one thing like this?

We talked to many artists and educators, additionally researching arts organisations, help networks and funding businesses. Our conclusion is that we’d like a particular area for artists to receive encouragement and feedback in a mutually supportive surroundings. Creative Circles meet an necessary want by providing alternatives for artists to come collectively to explore the challenges of the artistic process in a loving and supportive environment which encourages reflection, shared learning and collaboration. Although at present a lot of the members are Baha’is, our aim is to appeal to any and all artists who attempt to converse the widespread religious language of art and who’re interested in the betterment of the world via individual and social transformation. We also hope to prolong our networks and study from working with other organisations and businesses who share comparable objectives. Through co-sponsorship and joint administration of tasks we will strengthen our expertise, help extra artists and ship higher outcomes for the communities we serve.

Our work is on a modest scale, but thus far we’ve got sponsored and supported artists from throughout the artistic spectrum, commissioned items and performances, offered journey grants and assisted places, helped with grant writing and offered practical publishing and advertising recommendation. Last yr we additionally instituted the Dazzling Spark Awards which give recognition to artists and organisations who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of private and social transformation. Considered one of our most visible and profitable packages has been our Creative Circles.

Baha’i Weblog: Are you able to describe these Creative Circles in more detail?

These retreats are fairly small scale in nature, however convey collectively three teams of individuals: established artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and artistic professionals of each background, plus a second group of rising or aspiring artists and thirdly an equally necessary group of supporters and arts lovers, comparable to family, pals, colleagues and club members. This mixture of skills and energies when rigorously nurtured will help produce an intimate and supportive surroundings for deep and meaningful dialogue. This has proved really transformational and a magnet to those with comparable aspirations to use their skills and assets for the betterment of the world. Many long-term Baha’is have described the Creative Circles as probably the most empowering and joyful expertise of their lives and urged us to host comparable occasions all over the world, something we’re actively researching and contemplating.

Our Creative Circles are still evolving but after a few years of trial and error we’ve established a successful model which could be adapted to totally different places and communities, typically in partnership with other organisations. So perhaps in future we will probably be hosting a Creative Circles close to you. In case you are interested by exploring this additional please do get in contact. You possibly can attain us through e mail: [email protected]

Baha’i Weblog: How do you see them creating in future?

As with all studying course of, consultation and reflection are both essential. One of the fascinating observations we now have made, is that our unique idea of “aspiring artists” as a gaggle of primarily youthful, inexperienced artists proved to be restricted. Modifications in demographics and life has meant that many who retire from full-time work are faced with a new set of challenges. Whereas retirement prior to now might have meant a number of years put out to pasture or spent in leisurely pursuits comparable to crafts or hobbies, now many individuals are being pressured to consider some type of lively employment to help meagre pensions or lack of household/group help. Whether driven by monetary need, a want for private fulfilment or commitment to service, giant numbers of people at the moment are actively reinventing ourselves as artistic professionals/ academics/consultants in a second or third profession which as life expectancy increases might stretch 20-30 years into the longer term. We now have come to realise subsequently that retirees getting into new careers as artists should not be seen as mere hobbyists or fanatics, however probably as critical professionals investing appreciable time, assets and experience into perfecting their work. Perhaps you’re one such worthy soul. It’s never too late to start.

The humanities are often a good way to meet new individuals and type new friendships so maybe you possibly can be a part of an present group or even start one in your home or group area. Most arts are a form of religious language the place individuals are comfortable to interact in meaningful conversations.

Baha’i Weblog: How can we study extra about Creative Circles?

Info is repeatedly posted on our Dazzling Spark Basis’s Facebook page and we hope to relaunch our digital platforms and websites in the subsequent few weeks. Finally, for those of you who is perhaps here is a link to a brief film we produced of last years Creative Circles within the north of England by award-winning filmmaker Lou Armitt. It conveys something of the unique spirit of Creative Circles, so please have a look and share.

Baha’i Weblog: Thanks so much, Gordon for taking the time to do that interview, and thank you for creating such an exquisite initiative! We hope this yr’s Creative Circles proceed to be enriching and fulfilling for all.

Ebook tickets to attend this yr’s Creative Circles, but hurry because it starts in a couple of days, so register now!

The post Creative Circles – A Retreat for Those Striving to Serve Humanity Through Art appeared first on Android Blog.