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International Creativity Month

Get ready to unleash your inner creative genius because it's International Creativity Month! Let your imagination run wild and create something amazing.

Friday

1–31

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYArts & Crafts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to unleash your creative side because January 1 marks the beginning of International Creativity Month! This month-long celebration was established in 2002 by creativity coach and author, Dr. Eric Maisel, to encourage individuals to embrace their inner creativity and explore new forms of self-expression. Whether it's through art, music, writing, or any other medium, everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves and this month is all about celebrating that diversity. So get your paintbrushes, instruments, or pens ready and let your imagination run wild!

TIMELINE

International Creativity Month Timeline

Plato on Creativity

Greek philosopher Plato discusses creativity, suggesting imitation as a form of creative behavior in the arts.

Discovery of Creativity-Intelligence Distinction

Psychologists begin to distinguish between creativity and intelligence, leading to a deeper understanding of the creative process.

Birth of Modern Creativity Research

J.P. Guilford’s address to the American Psychological Association leads to the birth of modern creativity research.

Establishment of International Creativity Month

International Creativity Month was established to enrich peoples' lives by encouraging creativity and innovation.

U.N Recognition of Creativity

UNESCO recognized creativity as an essential economic driver, leading to more international attention on the importance of creativity and innovation.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Creativity Month

Try a new creative hobby

Challenge yourself to pick up a new creative hobby for the month. Whether it's painting, writing, or dancing, dedicating time to a new activity can spark your creativity and bring new joy to your life.

ATTEND

Attend a creativity workshop

Look for workshops or classes in your area that focus on enhancing creativity. This can be a great opportunity to learn new techniques and meet other like-minded individuals.

HAVE

Have a creativity-themed movie night

Gather some friends and watch movies that celebrate creativity, such as "Dead Poets Society" or "Amelie". This can be a fun and inspiring way to spend an evening.

START

Start a creativity journal

Dedicate a journal specifically for recording your thoughts and ideas related to creativity. This can help you track your progress and provide a space for brainstorming and reflection.

CREATE

Create a vision board

Gather images, quotes, and other materials that inspire you and create a vision board to represent your creative goals and aspirations. Display it in a prominent place to serve as a daily reminder of your creativity journey.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Creativity Month

It boosts innovation and problem-solving skills

By encouraging creativity, this month pushes individuals to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. This helps foster critical thinking skills and can lead to groundbreaking ideas in various industries.

It encourages us to think outside the box

International Creativity Month celebrates the power of thinking creatively and exploring new ideas. It reminds us that we shouldn't be afraid to challenge conventional thinking and break out of our comfort zones.

It promotes self-expression

Creativity allows us to express ourselves in unique and personal ways. Whether it's through writing, art, music or any other form, International Creativity Month encourages us to use creativity as a means of self-expression and discovery.

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