MIA FUNK

Tell us about what drew you to The Creative Process?

VANESSA VAZ

For me, it is the storytelling element that really drew me in and  allows us to know the person behind the designation, how they came to find their passion, vocation or build an entire organization and how we connect to one another through experiences. I know what I enjoyed is how much you value the journey that led to where the person is right now. Through the podcast and the interviews, I am intrigued about the person’s journey, the mistakes they made or how one thing led to another and they were completely surprised to realise where they’ve reached. It is that reflective and curiosity element that comes across so well in the conversations. For me, particularly, the art and museum voices were of particular interest and what initially drew me in to taking interest in the creative process and diving down the rabbit hole, devouring the interviews. 

I got in touch with you a few years ago, and it is absolutely amazing to see how much The Creative Process has grown and expanded over the years. I’ve come to know so many new initiatives and learnt about such unique programming and innovation through the podcast and particularly the interviews across fields especially Writing and comprehending climate change. I love to see the new environmental elements and their importance in the world we find ourselves in. What you’re doing is not only learning through conversation but also drawing awareness to topics people like me would have no idea about otherwise. Actually, if I could pose a question to you to tell us more about why you founded The Creative Process and how you see it growing today? 

FUNK

I asked myself, what do I know as an artist? And how can I use what little I know to try to make the world a better place? Well, I have some skills. And I know a lot of people, passionate artists and creative thinkers who have collectively accomplished great things which are inspiring for students just starting out. And those collective insights can help young people find their voices, become the artists, leaders, inventors of tomorrow who will find the solutions to today’s problems. This is my hope.

What is very important to me is to create work that is meaningful, not only a beautiful painting that’s aesthetically pleasing or a story about limited personal experiences, but to reach beyond my particular concerns to speak to others and their concerns and interests, to do something that inspires the next generation and which is larger than myself.

And I feel so fortunate to be in a project where I always get to be learning from so many talented and passionate people and sharing those insights with students. Because it makes me very hopeful for the future to be surrounded by so many who have devoted their lives to projects that are larger than themselves.

VAZ

I think the range of disciplines and regions you cover is interesting, not only in terms of podcast guests, but also the students who come from all areas of the arts and sciences.

FUNK

Thank you. What’s interesting for me is the kind of one-on-one mentorship you have when you get to speak to people and organizations who you really admire. And curiosity. Also, often students come to us because it gives them an opportunity to have conversations, make podcasts and learn about a variety of disciplines beyond what they’re studying at school. It’s a chance to meet leading creative thinkers and changemakers outside of their disciplines and from different parts of the world. 

And you have been collaborating off and on with The Creative Process from the time you were studying in Washington, D.C., and also after returning to India. Through this collaboration, what areas people and organizations do you want to learn from?

VAZ

Just a little about me, I am currently living in Mumbai India where I recently worked at a contemporary art gallery, in artist management, public relations and ideating events in conjunction to ongoing exhibitions. I worked at the gallery through the pandemic and was instrumental in the transition and organisation of several online exhibitions, panel discussions and educational talks. Previously, I worked extensively in many roles across multiple Smithsonian institutions through and after graduate school at Georgetown University, when I connected with Mia, founder of The Creative Process. I, too, am absolutely intrigued by people’s stories and conversations; it is how I learn and navigate my fascination with culture and passion for history through museums and art. 

In this role at the creative process, I am hoping to learn more about fields outside of my knowledge and continue to keep learning through conversations with leaders, innovators and educators that Mia is able to connect with. I am also very keen to understand and connect with people in higher or instrumental positions about their interest or concern around expanding curatorial interest and programming around “diversity” and “inclusion” in museums and cultural spaces. Additionally, I would love to put artists, educators and heritage related experts that I know of in Mumbai, India on the map as well through this platform. 

FUNK

Thank you, Vanessa. We look forward to collaborating on those projects together, exploring arts, sustainability and celebrating artists, writers and creative thinkers from India, the ways we can work together to build a better tomorrow.