USAO Participates in Creativity World Forum

When creative minds from all over the world come to Oklahoma next week, some will hear ideas and meet students and faculty from the University of Science and Arts. For the first time ever, the Creativity World Forum (CWF) comes to Oklahoma on Nov. 15-17.

CWF is an annual global event that brings together the world’s most creative minds to explore how creativity drives economy and culture. 

Oklahoma was designated as one of 13 internationally recognized Districts of Creativity due to the efforts of a not-for-profit organization known as Creative Oklahoma. It is the only such district in North America.

Dr. Erik Guzik, a professor of economics at USAO, will be on hand to demonstrate his Virtual Problem Solving software designed to supercharge the way students interact with technology in order to unleash their own creativity.

Guzik noted that “two factors drew me to Oklahoma: an opening in the economics department at a very creative institution named USAO and the formation of a truly unique statewide resource called Creative Oklahoma.”

Another highlight of USAO’s participation in the CWF will be Apology II, an animation project overseen by graphic designer Shayna Woidke. Scored with original music by Dr. Stephen Weber, associate professor of music, Apology II is, according to Woidke, intended as “an animated expression of the role that creativity plays in advancing the cause of civilization.”

The title is a reference to Plato’s account of Socrates’ impassioned defense of philosophy as a vital component of a healthy society.

In addition to these contributions, at least 20 students, faculty and staff from USAO will be on hand to attend seminars from over 65 featured speakers as well as draw attention to the unique role that the USAO plays in the Oklahoma higher education system as the state’s only public liberal arts university.