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The CCD is a collaborative initiative between VBNK and the David Glass Ensemble (DGE). Since 1998 the DGE has been contributing a key component of VBNK's capacity building and staff development strategy. This is in addition to a significant amount of other work that the DGE does in Cambodia and SE Asia, most specifically working with children.

For some time the Ensemble has been exploring the idea of a Centre for Creative Development to establish a base for training in creative process, a ‘think-tank’ where ideas can be discussed and developed, a focus for the promotion of good practice, and a resource to the development sector and other practitioners. The decision to establish the CCD is thus both a consolidation of the work done together by the two organisations, and a first step towards sharing this work with the wider development community.

Creative Practice
The fundamental premise on which the CCD will be based is that development is about relationships, and creative practice is an essential component in establishing the good relationships needed for effective development practice to take place.

Many development practitioners are struggling to find effective methodologies for their work and find that the constraints of the logical framework project cycle are not conducive to building relationships with beneficiaries that are based on trust and participation. Creative process does not attempt to replace other methodologies and project frameworks, but to underpin and supplement them with more effective ways of establishing the fundamental prerequisites for good development practice.

Recognition of the value of creative techniques in development has been increasing over the years. This has come about through the continuing activities of practitioners, but also through a growing awareness in the academic and training fields. Some courses now exist within academic institutions and other organisations. A great deal of activity takes place, largely piecemeal. There does not appear to be any single environment where theory, technique and actual practice can take place together.

CCD aims to be a place where development practitioners and others can explore and share creative processes in order to enhance development practice and understanding through a holistic exploration of creative methodologies and thinking.

The wheel is a good symbol for the intended work of the CCD. Creativity is the central hub holding together all other elements of the Centre and its work. The spokes are the people from many different disciplines who will come together through the Centre to share and learn from each other. The outer rim is the resulting connection between people and ideas that will connect with the ground and create movement for progress.