The Metaphoric Perception of Performing Arts Students About Creativity

Although the concept of creativity is used in a multidisciplinary area, it is naturally in the center of art education. The use of metaphors, which includes the process of expressing a concept with another concept, is a creative reproduction process. Thus, this research aims to determine the perceptions of performing arts students regarding the concept of “creativity” through metaphors. In this regard, students were asked to complete a prompt “Creativity is like . . . because . . . ” Using the qualitative research method, this study employs a phenomenological design. The study was carried out with151 fine arts faculties, conservatories, arts, and design faculties students who study at either state or foundation universities. Students produced 74 metaphors for “creativity,” which were grouped under 11 categories under three titles. Among the metaphors, the most frequently mentioned ones are freedom, ocean/sea, adventure, dream, tree/forest, and dough. The study reveals that students have positive perceptions regarding the concept of creativity. Thus, it was concluded that some changes should be made in the education program to reinforce positive opinions and eliminate negative judgments.