Why Creativity Matters in Times of Change | Stephanie Utz | TEDxTUM

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, political polarization, and social uncertainty, how can we make sense of the moment we are living in? Museum founder and art advocate Stephanie Utz explores the powerful role of creativity in shaping and preserving the zeitgeist, i.e., the cultural spirit of an era. Drawing on examples from Renaissance to contemporary street art, she reveals how art has historically documented, challenged, and influenced societal transformation. Through personal experiences and insights from building Germany’s first Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA), Stephanie argues that creativity is not a luxury but a force that helps societies navigate change, preserve collective memory, and imagine better futures. Stephanie Utz is co-founder of the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA) in Munich, Germany’s first museum dedicated to urban and street art. A passionate art collector and cultural entrepreneur, she has spent the past decade building a platform for internationally renowned contemporary artists while preserving the cultural significance of urban art for future generations. Through her work, Stephanie advocates for the