Toward creative epistemologies: The state of creativity in geography

Engaging with Geography’s previous study, theorization, and application of creativity as a concept, this article establishes a framework for creative geographers to situate their work. Moving through the research process from finding materials to work with through the distribution of knowledge produced, a scaffolding emerges of Creative Geographies. While not exhaustive, this format provides launching points for reinvigorating conversations and illuminates areas for further study. From here, we discuss and define creativity as a spatial concept, and suggest ways to use this more general definition to incorporate more research materials, methods, participation avenues, and outputs as creative work. We also postulate how geographers can incorporate creativity into their analysis. Finally, we argue for reorienting how we understand Creative Geographies through the idea of “creative epistemologies,” which asks researchers to think of their academic work as creative.

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Publication Details

Journal
Environment and Planning F
Published
2026-08-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/26349825261471919
Primary Topic
Geographies of human-animal interactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Toward creative epistemologies: The state of creativity in geography

Ellie Cleasby, Madalena Monnier-Reyna
Environment and Planning F
Geographies of human-animal interactions
article

Toward creative epistemologies: The state of creativity in geography

Ellie Cleasby, Madalena Monnier-Reyna
article en

Abstract

Engaging with Geography’s previous study, theorization, and application of creativity as a concept, this article establishes a framework for creative geographers to situate their work. Moving through the research process from finding materials to work with through the distribution of knowledge produced, a scaffolding emerges of Creative Geographies. While not exhaustive, this format provides launching points for reinvigorating conversations and illuminates areas for further study. From here, we discuss and define creativity as a spatial concept, and suggest ways to use this more general definition to incorporate more research materials, methods, participation avenues, and outputs as creative work. We also postulate how geographers can incorporate creativity into their analysis. Finally, we argue for reorienting how we understand Creative Geographies through the idea of “creative epistemologies,” which asks researchers to think of their academic work as creative.

Environment and Planning F
University of Washington (US), Seattle University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Geographies of human-animal interactions
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