Program Overview

Introduction to the Center for Imagination Studies

The Center for Imagination Studies, also known as Centrul de cercetare a imaginarului or Le Centre de Recherches sur l'Imaginaire, is a research institution that focuses on the study of imagination.

Research Areas

• Membri: This area involves the study of membership and its implications on the research center.
• CRI2i-Parteneri: This section focuses on partnerships and collaborations with other institutions.
• Master: The center offers master's programs in related fields.
• Doctorat: Doctoral programs are also available for advanced research.
• Programe-Granturi: This area involves grant programs for research initiatives.
• Conferințe: The center hosts conferences on various topics related to imagination studies.
• Mundus imaginalis/Phantasma: This section explores the concept of the imaginal world and its connections to phantasmagoria.
• Cercul de geografii umaniste: A circle of humanistic geographies, focusing on the intersection of geography and humanities.
• Dezbaterile Phantasma: Debates and discussions on phantasmagoric topics.
• Creative Writing: The center offers creative writing programs and workshops.
• E-Galerie: An online gallery showcasing artistic works related to imagination studies.
• Caietele Echinox: A publication series featuring research and essays on various topics.

Creative Writing Program

The creative writing program at the Center for Imagination Studies includes workshops and ateliers where participants can engage in creative writing activities. One such atelier focused on writing inspired by psychedelic music, where participants listened to albums by Muse, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Uriah Heep, and Dead Can Dance, among others. The goal was to inspire creative writing through the influence of music.

Participant Works

Participants in the creative writing atelier produced various works, including:

• Arcuşul pică din mâna bolnavă şi zbârcită by Raluca Ferentinos: A poem that explores themes of creativity, music, and the subconscious.
• caruselul by Lavinia Rogojină: A piece that delves into the idea of a carousel as a metaphor for life's journey, influenced by the music played during the atelier.
• Listening and writing by Cristina Vidruţiu: An experimental piece that blends elements of poetry and prose, reflecting on the experience of listening to music and writing.
• (ultimul atelier) by Marius Conkan: A final atelier piece that explores themes of identity, creativity, and the impact of music on the writing process.
• Câinilor din cer cândva femeile opace by Valerica Mărginean: A poem that navigates through imagery and metaphor, touching on themes of love, delirium, and the search for meaning.

Notes on the Creative Process

Participants noted the influence of music on their creative process, with some finding it easier to concentrate and produce work under the influence of certain melodies and rhythms. Others mentioned the challenge of capturing the essence of music in their writing, but overall, the experience was seen as enriching and conducive to creative exploration.

Conclusion

The Center for Imagination Studies offers a unique environment for exploring the realms of imagination through various programs, including creative writing workshops inspired by music. The works produced during these ateliers demonstrate the diverse and innovative approaches participants take when influenced by different musical genres and themes.