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The power of creativity

The power of creativity
Aug 18, 2025
3 MIN. READ

Creativity matters when delivering a message. How do we know? Decades of social science studies show that people remember messages better (and are more likely to act on Å·²©ÓéÀÖm) . People will even look for narratives . And is putting togeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr evidence to back this up: Brains fundamentally react differently to story-form versus non-story-form information.

Not only is communicating creatively more engaging, but Å·²©ÓéÀÖ chosen wording, imagery, and musicality can affect how people react. from 2011 found that even Å·²©ÓéÀÖ subtlest use of metaphors, even just a single word choice, can powerfully influence how people make decisions on national policies. that explored Å·²©ÓéÀÖ connection between creativity and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ effectiveness of media campaigns was clear: Distinctive, emotional, novel, well-branded creativity led to increased effectiveness.

The challenge of connecting in a complex communications landscape

Institutions today face a daunting communications environment. Populist rhetoric, disinformation, generational divides, and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ rise of AI are reshaping how messages are received (and often distorted). Traditional methods like data charts and policy briefs struggle to cut through Å·²©ÓéÀÖ noise. Even when Å·²©ÓéÀÖ message is vital—like climate change or victimsâ€� rights—audiences may disengage if Å·²©ÓéÀÖ delivery lacks emotional resonance and cultural relevance.

Social science and neuroscience agree: People respond to stories. They remember Å·²©ÓéÀÖm, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy act on Å·²©ÓéÀÖm.

Yet many public campaigns still rely on dry, technical formats that fail to connect. The challenge is clear: How can institutions communicate complex policies in ways that truly resonate with multiple audiences?

A communications experience that resonates and mobilizes

Imagine campaigns that don’t just inform but inspire. Messages that feel local, personal, and emotionally intelligent. Creative work that reflects Å·²©ÓéÀÖ lived experience of its audience, such as a portrait of a crime victim in an EU Member State.

This is Å·²©ÓéÀÖ power of creativity when harnessed effectively. When Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Directorate General â€� Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) wanted to raise awareness about EU victimsâ€� rights, we knew charts and graphs alone would fail to inspire action or emotional investment. That’s why we created powerful campaign portraits and videos that emphasized a pledge of support for victims and reinforced a sense of collective responsibility. It’s what made Å·²©ÓéÀÖ â€œEyes Openâ€� campaign so impactful: real stories and a message of solidarity that transcended borders.

Creativity is what drives public engagement when institutions struggle to engage or mobilize citizens through traditional communication methods. Photography, metaphor, and storytelling—proven tools for engagement—can make abstract issues tangible and urgent to your audiences.

Introducing Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Creative Collective

To meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖse challenges head-on, ICF Next launched Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Creative Collective—a pan-European network of award-winning creatives, strategists, and storytellers. This isn’t just a talent pool; it’s a new operating model for public communication that prioritizes agility and specialization.

With members based in over 15 locations across Europe and beyond, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Creative Collective brings cultural fluency and emotional intelligence to every project. Our creatives understand Å·²©ÓéÀÖ humour, sensitivities, and references that resonate locally. For us, when a campaign is shaped by those who share Å·²©ÓéÀÖ lived experience of its audience, it doesn’t just inform, it connects.

Backed by ICF Next’s Creative and Strategy teams in Brussels, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Creative Collective is grounded in years of institutional communications expertise. By moving quickly and strategically, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ right creative minds are matched to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ right challenges, creating campaigns that connect deeply and drive action.

We’re also innovating boldly: exploring AI to gauge audiencesâ€� emotional reactions. And we remain committed to what creates real impact: engaging with citizens through communities and putting creativity at Å·²©ÓéÀÖ heart of our approach.

The Creative Collective is already delivering results in real-world settings. It’s not just a new way of working—it’s a better way to communicate.

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