Creativity as a human right
This post is a reflection on one of the readings from an ethics class I’m taking.
Creativity is often celebrated as a spark of innovation or a tool for self-expression, but what if we considered it a fundamental human right?
Art therapist and scholar Lisa Hinz (2009) has championed this perspective, arguing that creativity is not just a personal asset but a universal entitlement that should be protected and promoted for all. This view is echoed in several foundational United Nations documents, which enshrine creative expression as a core component of human dignity and cultural participation (United Nations, 1948; United Nations, 1966).
Lisa Hinz, a leader in art therapy, emphasizes that creativity is essential to human well-being and social progress. In her writings, she frames creativity as a basic human right, closely linked to freedom of artistic expression (Hinz, 2009). Hinz argues that when people are empowered to create—whether through art, music, writing, or other forms—they experience personal growth, healing, and a deeper connection to their communities. She maintains that art therapy and creative practices are not luxuries but necessities for a healthy society, and that denying creative opportunities is a violation of fundamental rights.
The idea that creativity is a human right is not just philosophical. It is grounded in international law. Several United Nations clauses explicitly recognize the right to participate in cultural life and enjoy the arts:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 27:
“Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits” (United Nations, 1948, Article 27).International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 15(3):
“The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research and creative activity” (United Nations, 1966, Article 15).UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist (1980), Guiding Principle 3:
“Member States, recognizing the essential role of art in the life and development of the individual and of society, accordingly have a duty to protect, defend and assist artists and their freedom of creation” (UNESCO, 1980).UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), Article 2.1:
“Cultural diversity can be protected and promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, information and communication, as well as the ability of individuals to choose cultural expressions, are guaranteed” (UNESCO, 2005).
These clauses collectively affirm that creative expression is a protected right, essential for both individual fulfillment and the flourishing of society.
So, why does creativity matter?
Personal empowerment: Creativity allows us to process experiences, express emotions, and build resilience.
Social cohesion: Shared creative activities foster understanding and strengthen community bonds.
Cultural vitality: Societies that nurture creativity are more adaptable, innovative, and vibrant.
Lisa Hinz’s advocacy for creativity as a human right challenges us to rethink how we value and support creative expression in our lives and institutions. The United Nations’ foundational documents provide a powerful legal and ethical framework for this vision, reminding us that the freedom to create is not a privilege, but a right that belongs to everyone.
References
Hinz, L. D. (2009). Expressive therapies continuum: A framework for using art in therapy. Routledge.
United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-economic-social-and-cultural-rights
UNESCO. (1980). Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000040282
UNESCO. (2005). Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. https://en.unesco.org/creativity/convention
