The Creative Open: Interview with Maria Lashari, Chair and Co-founder of The Creative Open
text Yasmine Mubarak
images courtesy of The Creative Open
In a world where creative conversations often circle the same voices, and the same kind of people and where networking is key. The Creative Open steps in to try to find new ways to meet. Founded on the belief that creative exchange begins with dialogue the summit invites artists, designers, and thinkers from across disciplines to meet.
The first edition of the summit was last week in Stockholm, Sweden and sparked a vibrant response for those who could attend. In this interview with Odalisque Magazine, Lashari reflects on the inspiration behind the summit, the importance of “killing the algorithm of sameness,” and how The Creative Open is redefining what it means to gather creatively.
Q: What inspired you to be a part of creating The Creative Open Summit, and what do you feel it brings to the international creative scene that’s been missing until now?
At its core, we are a movement for creative exchange. We believe that real exchange begins with conversation, but not the same ones we’ve always had. Scandinavia has incredible design and creative talent, but often struggles to produce the kind of open, cross disciplinary communities and platforms that thrive in other parts of the world, such as Paris, Milan, and London.
Q: What do you want people to take away from the talks?
To move creativity forward, we must invite new voices with unfamiliar perspectives, and perhaps we need to step outside of the usual creative circles to do so. The Creative Open is our way of killing the algorithm of sameness when it comes to talks, events, and creative dialogues. At least, that’s what we wanted to achieve with the opening event. And the response has truly exceeded anything we imagined. People are here for it.
Q: You’re focusing on Creative Confidence, Creative Expression, and the Creative Economy – why those three themes, and how do they reflect what’s happening in the creative world right now?
We began by asking industry creatives about their biggest challenges, and then we had an application process for the first seats at the concert hall that helped us shape and define the topics even further with the speakers. Our goal was for the themes to feel deeply in tune with the times and challenges we’re navigating as creatives at the moment.
Q: How did you go about choosing your nine speakers?
Our speakers were chosen to reflect an eclectic mix of today’s creative industry. We curated the lineup with emerging talents, innovative challengers, and established top-creatives. It was important to us that there was something for everyone, no matter where they are on their creative journey.
Q: Do you see The Creative Open becoming a yearly thing –maybe even growing into something international or digital down the line?
Absolutely, that’s been the intention from the beginning. We see The Creative Open as something with long-term potential both physically and digitally. The response to our first edition confirms that there’s an appetite for this kind of platform.
Everything we do will continue to have an international lens, connecting creatives around the world who value conversation, connection, and believe in the power of open, creative dialogues.
Q: How do you think it went, and how do you think the creative industry is working today?
We are more than happy with the event; it exceeded our expectations, but there is always room to grow and make it even better. The creative industry is a wicked game, but still, we play it, and we should. “Creative thinking” has become one of the most sought-after skills, according to the World Economic Forum. It’s among the top 10 most important skills employers look for. It’s a clear sign that we need to do more in terms of nurturing, celebrating, and pushing the needle for creativity, and give it the space it deserves. Our ticket sales revealed a truth we all felt: the creative industry is bored, and the amazing response after the event indicates that there is a hunger for more.
