A groundbreaking worldwide creativity project has a new steward to continue the growth and success that the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship has produced in the project since 2019.

The Creative Education Foundation (CEF), the leading nonprofit dedicated to Creative Problem Solving and developing creative leaders worldwide, has acquired World Creativity & Innovation, the organization behind World Creativity & Innovation Week (WCIW) (April 15-21), and World Creativity & Innovation Day (WCID) (April 21), the global movement that mobilizes millions each year to celebrate and activate creativity in communities, schools, and organizations.

Beginning this year, CEF will steward the leadership, programming, partnerships, and annual celebrations. This acquisition brings together two globally recognized leaders in advancing creativity and innovation for the greater good.

“This acquisition reflects our deep belief that creativity is a human right and an essential skill for navigating an uncertain world,” said Beth Miller, Executive Director of the Creative Education Foundation. “World Creativity & Innovation Week has inspired millions across more than 160 countries, and we are honored to carry that mission forward. Together, we will empower even more people to use creativity to solve challenges and imagine new possibilities.”

Started by Marci Segal in 2001, WCID began as a single day, but Marci quickly grew it to an entire week beginning with Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday (April 15) and ending just before Earth Day (April 21). Farmer School of Business Entrepreneurship professor Jim Friedman began celebrating World Creativity & Innovation Week as an entrepreneurship class project in 2014, and the first Creativity City event was launched in 2017. In 2019, the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship at the Miami University Farmer School of Business became the steward and international headquarters for WCIW.

World Creativity & Innovation Week has become a worldwide catalyst for creative celebration and action, encouraging individuals, educators, nonprofits, businesses, and governments to champion innovation in ways that strengthen communities and improve lives.

“For more than two decades, WCIW/WCID has shown the world how creativity can be a force for positive change,” Friedman said. “We are thrilled to begin this next chapter with the Creative Education Foundation. CEF brings unmatched expertise in creativity and creativity education, and together we can scale both the celebration and the skills that help creativity flourish everywhere.”

During the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship’s stewardship, the number of celebrating nations increased from 56 to 163, while adding member countries to the International Advisory Board, as well as many Creativity Ambassadors around the world.

The Creative Education Foundation plans to build on this legacy by integrating Creative Problem Solving tools and training into WCIW/WCID activities, growing international partnerships, and connecting the movement with CEF’s flagship Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI)—the world’s longest-running creativity conference.

“The world needs creative thinkers now more than ever,” Miller added. “By uniting CEF and WCI, we are strengthening the global ecosystem of people and organizations committed to building a more creative, innovative, and humane world.”

CEF will work with current WCI partners, organizers, and volunteer leaders to ensure continuity and expand participation as they take the lead for the 2026 World Creativity & Innovation celebrations. For more information about the Creative Education Foundation, visit www.creativeeducationfoundation.org. To learn more about World Creativity & Innovation Week, visit www.wciw.org.