Creativity and impact: using technology to shape the future
Creativity shapes the future, but it is also shaped by the past. As digital transformation continues to accelerate, we are now entering a new creative phase of community, collaboration, and innovation.
For Nooky, Yuin and Thunghutti man and founder of We Are Warriors, and Ben Miles, Executive Creative Director at R/GA Australia and APAC, this new era is all about using emerging technology and tools to drive impact, change the narrative and highlight Indigenous stories.
“The future of creativity for me is history. We can draw a lot from what’s happened in the past, and the only way we can really move forward is by looking back and drawing on those lessons and moments in time to create the future,” Nooky says.
The We Are Warriors founder saw an opportunity to give Indigenous youth something to aspire to, unlock their Warrior spirit, and drive positive change. We Are Warriors are bringing the culture and knowledge of the past into a new digital space. Through their work, they are sharing stories, traditions and culture and are calling on others to join their movement.
The future is immersive, collaborative and impactful
The last two years have pushed the creative industry into a whole new territory where digital and immersive experiences are at the forefront.
As this technology advances, so does the opportunity to create an impact. The emergence of digital experiences is increasing accessibility, bringing people together from countries and cultures, and is starting to connect and inspire people to push for change.
According to Adobe’s Future of Creativity report, by using their creativity and influence to advance social causes, 51 percent of creators believe they can drive awareness, and 41 percent of creators believe they can give a voice to those who otherwise wouldn’t have one.
“We say you got to see it to be it, so that’s what we aim to do. Highlight and televise as much Indigenous success and role models as we can, and connect them with the youth.”
Nooky
“That for me is a shift. We have tools that really enhance and accelerate the impact we can create,” says Ben.
Taking tradition into the future
Creativity – and its potential to make change – is only accelerated further as technology continues to advance design tools. As tools become more intuitive, design and creativity are no longer just for those with a degree but can be put into the hands of anyone.
Technology is creating digital spaces for people to control their own reality, enable conversations and change the narrative.
“Aboriginal people have always been creative people, so for me a lot of the time, it’s going back and looking at what my ancestors have done, and using the new technology to keep it alive, and give it a new life,” says Nooky.
The metaverse is bringing an opportunity to amplify what Indigenous people have always done through the Dreamtime and their traditional ceremonies.
With new digital platforms, there is a chance to put forward Indigenous culture in a new form for the next generation, where traditions can start a conversation and evoke change.
Want to hear more? Join Nooky at Adobe MAX, a global virtual experience exploring creativity in all its forms.
See more of the work from other First Nation artists featured in the Adobe Virtual Gallery.