The relevance of teaching Relational Intelligence in Creativity education in the advent of AI

Abstract

This article investigtes the relevance of teaching Relational Intelligence in Creativity education considering the use of Artificial Intelligence. Based on bibliographic research and participant observation of the Relational Intelligence course in ESPM’s graduate program in Creativity & Ecosystemic Innovations, the study examines how relational dimensions can ground AI-mediated creative processes. Results demonstrate that contemporary creative education demands a hybrid approach that prioritizes conscious creativity, centralizes the relational/emotional dimension, develops critical thinking about AI, maintains human leadership of the creative process, and redefines competencies for the era of human-machine co-creation. The study concludes that Relational Intelligence constitutes an essential pedagogical competency for critically navigating the AI-assisted creation landscape, forming the foundation for a balanced and humanly meaningful relationship with technologies in the creative field.