By Jeffery Kin
At Cleveland's Ingenuity Fest 2022, I was OVERWELMED with what seemed to me to be pure creative genius at work. One of the immersive exhibitions in a festival "village" featured passage through a run-down building, with broken windows and a leaky roof. It transported me to a place I haven’t been in a long time…MY CHILDHOOD! Exploring the many rooms, floors and activities was like being blasted with creativity around every corner.
Not that I am at all judgmental and jaded (don’t say it), but I was impressed and uplifted by the rawness of works being created as the crowds rolled in. My ADHD was off the charts with the unfinished and unrefined aspects, but therein lies the brilliance. Its not SUPPOSED to be perfect. It’s not SUPPOSED to be refined because I was there to help complete and engage with it as it grows and expands.
It's hard to describe the joy, the uncomfortable moments that turned into “WTF” moments of exhilaration! Nothing seemed to be off limits. I rounded a corner and ended up literally onstage! There was no backstage or green room or even privacy curtains—everything is there to be witnessed and absorbed.
The great news? These were also a group of leaders who were VERY kind via email when I reached out to them. They were happy to share insights and open to communicate. Again, you can tell a great deal about an organization when you ask for help or assistance. I will return to you, Oh Great Wonder of Cleveland, OH. And if you are wise and paying attention, SO WILL YOU!