Can a person be taught creativity, or is this an innate talent?

What do you think, is talent/creativity something that can be acquired, or is it innate?

I think it can be taught to a certain extent to some people. Almost anyone can learn a musical instrument but only a fraction can do it well enough to earn a living. People can be, at least encouraged (if not taught) to "think outside the box".

I think creativity may not be taught, but more importantly is not STIFLING it in children. All kids are creative, but as they grow they are taught to stop being so.

Talent is a gift, but anyone can decide to do what they love in spite of a lack of natural talent and I believe if they put in enough hours of practice they can get "good enough" to be considered talented.

Hard to say. I think that it can be both. People who are very determined to excel at whatever they do may practice to the point that they are upper level, so that would be taught.

But people who are "naturals" stand apart from those who learned whatever creative endeavor is on topic.

I think it's mostly having an interest in a certain creative outlet, and the drive to continually improve at it.

alan smithee wrote:I think it can be taught to a certain extent to some people. Almost anyone can learn a musical instrument but only a fraction can do it well enough to earn a living. People can be, at least encouraged (if not taught) to "think outside the box".

This. Pure, raw talent is definitely innate. Some people will have to work at something for years and will never do as well as someone who has a knack or talent for it.

I can name dozens of musicians who when they started pretty much stunk at what they were trying to do but eventually became masters at it after years of practice and commitment. Naturally talented people are just more adept at mastering the craft quicker, but not everyone has to be born with the natural gift to interpret it in order to be good or superior at it.

I think if can be taught but will always come much more easily for those who are naturally creative.