The New Renaissance: A Revolution of Creativity and Learning What is it that motivates the DaVinci Institute to advocate for creativity and innovation?  Consider these points. "Creativity has become the sine qua non of a successful America.  Nurturing it is seen as an important public good, not only benefiting individuals, but contributing to the economic health and well-being of the country at large."  The Creative Campus: Who's No. 1?, The Chronicle of Higher Education 2004. "We need to combine the methods of how art and social science are taught with the demanding nature of math and science classes."  Motivation ad Flow: The Teenager Edition,  Po Bronson's blog, October 7, 2009 Brain scans have found that the wandering mind also utilizes the prefrontal cortex, the part of our brain that's involved in problem-solving.  The upshot is that your idling mind is likely doing deeply creative work, tackling your hairiest long-term tasks. . ." Clive Thompson citing Jonathan Schooler, professor of psychology at UC Santa Barbara, in Fights of Fancy, Wired Magazine, November 2009. DaVinci Fellow Award application deadline February 19, 2010. DaVinci/Martin Award nominations deadline is February 12, 2010.