Perhaps the key to any innovative process is the ability to look at old problems from new and unfamiliar points of view.

This is much easier said than done.

The 2nd Annual CreativeLedge Studio Innovators Institute is a place for conceptual blockbusting and creative camaraderie. The following words capture a sense of the event: interdisciplinary, playful, open-ended, evolving, cross-cultural, nonlinear, lucky hunches, serendipity, Aha!

The following quotes define the essence of this experiment in social innovation:

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein

But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?"
George Bernard Shaw

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
William James

Be an opener of doors.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHAT is the Rock Ledge Studios Innovators Institute?
It is a combination workshop, salon, and party devoted broadly to innovative responses to social, economic, and cultural change. We focus on real-world projects and processes and on making new connections.

WHY should I attend?
Simply, you will meet brilliant and engaging people from an amazing array of disciplines and life experiences. The group process will happen in a relaxed atmosphere on a Maine island of great natural beauty. What you hear just might change how you operate in the world. At the very least, there will be much food for thought.

Realistically, you would never cross paths with most of these folks in the normal trajectory of your business or personal life. Also, there is the special joy of sharing one's hard-won knowledge and professional passions with people of goodwill who could put your insights to good use.

And there are no fees or suggested financial contributions for the institute.

WHAT is the Innovators Institute NOT?
It is not a healing or spirituality retreat, an arena for acrimonious political or academic debates, or a "creative economy" pep talk. (The RLS Innovators Institute is an open forum that does not endorse or espouse any particular ideology or theory.)

WHO is invited besides me?
The hosts of the event, Bob Barancik and Amy Blake, will be inviting about 25 outstanding people from a wide variety of disciplines and domains. Most will be friends, friends-of-friends, participants in last year's Innovators Institute, and creative people we would simply like to meet and get to know.

WHEN & WHERE?
The Rock Ledge Innovators Institute will begin Friday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m. with an informal buffet at the seaside Kennedy House on Torrington Point (Peaks Island, Maine). It is a short but salubrious ferry ride from Portland to the island, and a quick walk from the island ferry landing to Torrington Point. The first full day is Saturday the 12th. It is recommended that attendees come for at least three days -- but it is only a suggestion.

COST?
There is no entry fee or "suggested contribution" for the CreativeLedge Studio Innovators Institute. But all participants must pay for their own transportation, lodging, and some meals. (There are no grants, stipends, or honorariums.)

EXPECTATIONS?
Realistic expectations are likely to be realized and unrealistic ones are unlikely to be fulfilled. But "realistic" is a highly personal and elastic term. One's satisfaction usually comes down to a willingness to listen and share in an open and nonjudgmental manner...and the ubiquitous serendipity will tend to take care of itself.

HIDDEN AGENDAS?
None.

How is the Innovators Institute being structured and scheduled?
The organizational design provides both a defined framework for group learning and spontaneous creative interaction.

Each day will run from 9:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. The morning will be devoted to one or two keynote presentations. They will provide an in-depth look at a specific project by an accomplished innovator.

After lunch, there will be participatory creative activities facilitated by professional musicians, storytellers, dancers, photographers, and performance artists. There will also be various group discussions.

5 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Everyone gets their own dinner on Peaks Island or in the Old Port of Portland.

8 P.M. to 10 P.M. Show & Tell. Each evening, participants in the Innovators Institute will be given twenty minutes to "do their thing." Between the S&T, group discussions, and expressive arts workshops, everyone should be able to demonstrate their talents and engage in relevant dialogue with the group.

Thursday is an open-house day from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. for spouses and significant others, colleagues, friends, and creative folks from Peaks Island and Portland.

On Friday there will be tours of the CreativeLedge Studio on Long Island, Maine.

There are only nine slots, so reserve early if you are interested.

ACTION STEP:
If you are intrigued and would consider participating or passing along a name, simply contact Bob Barancik at 215.964-3937 or at bobcreates@earthlink.net