Some of the best ideas are realized simply by having some time, free from distraction, to bring them to life. Of course, that's often easier said than done. Life can get in the way of creative thinking, but one man is doing his part to give others the opportunity to unplug and let their ideas flow. Swedish global keynote speaker Frederik Haren, who also runs The World of Creativity blog, gives away free stays at a private island to help people get their creative projects off the ground.
Ideas Island is a private oasis near Stockholm where people can apply for one-week stays to work on their creative projects—free of charge! You might even be able to stay longer if you can convince Haren that your project merits more time. Haren, who spends several months a year on another nearby private island, created the program as a safe haven for creatives.
Accessible by rowboat, the quaint island is open to guests each summer. Winning applicants can even bring friends, as the island houses up to 6 people at a time. Though the stay is free, guests are encouraged to give a donation to a charity of the non-profit's choosing.
“We want to help create an environment that helps to bring some great ideas to life,” states the website. “And we all know that truly great ideas come when we are in solitude, when we are relaxed, when we are close to nature and when we feel in tune with the universe.”
Applications are open year-round, though typically the winners for the current year are announced in February or March. And if you think you need to be a world-class thinker in order to win, that's absolutely not the case. The application is quite straightforward and Haren aims to give the opportunity to a wide variety of people. Considering the cost of running and maintaining the private islands, Haren's investment is an incredible gift to the creative world.
“Ideas Island is great to sit down and think but also to be active and to explore,” shares former guest Bastian Döhling of The Insight Bureau. “This place is like oxygen for the mind, it inspires [you] to think, exchange ideas, and to imagine the future.”
So what are you waiting for? Applications are open for summer 2020. The world is waiting to see your creative idea.
Ideas Island is a private oasis near Stockholm.
Accessible by rowboat, it's owned by global keynote speaker Fredrik Haren.
He gives free week-long stays to applicants who wish to develop creative ideas in peace.
Listen to Haren explain why spending time in solitude on an island is a great way to stay creative.
Ideas Island: Website | Facebook
h/t: [Messy Nessy Chic]
All images via Ideas Island.
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