Curio

Curio is a series of talks centred around curiosity and creative thinking. Devised, named, created, and hosted by Imaginary Friends, it’s our contribution to Glasgow’s creative community.

Why?
There’s never been a more important time to cherish what creativity is. At a time where the value and very meaning of creativity is being questioned with the rise of generative AI, we wanted to create an event that celebrates and protects creativity and curiosity. Where people from different sectors can share their stories of asking ‘What if?’

We believe that creativity is everywhere. From painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to rearranging the furniture in your front room. Curio is a space for everyone – and that includes those who don’t see themselves as ‘creative’. (Spoiler: they are.)

The event
Six speakers each talking for 10–12 minutes on anything they wish as long as two criteria are met: the talk must centre around curiosity and creative thinking, and it must not simply be a run-through of their portfolio or most recent project. We want stories.

Despite the singular subject matter, so far we’ve had 12 talks each more different than the last but all relatable due to the human element contained in each of them.

Curiosity is an intrinsic human trait, and we want that reflected in every Curio event.

The identity
Curio’s identity consists of a cluster of curiosities. Starting with a logotype that is bold and chunky with a quirky and unconventional ‘R’, we feature a series of abstract imagery that provides lots of colour and richness, hinting at something but never revealing anything. All of which is brought together with a framework that takes inspiration from curio cabinets.

Such a wide range of imagery means there’s flexibility in the identity where colours can clash and contrast, but at the other end of the scale be much more harmonious. Each individual event has its own distinctive colour scheme to give standout and make it easy to recognise.

The response
The events have surpassed our expectations. Such was the level of interest we’ve sold out both events to date and had to move into bigger venues – made possible thanks to funding secured from Glasgow City Innovation District. The response from our audiences has been genuinely overwhelming. Our speakers have loved it.

It feels like Curio has come along at the right time and place.