Abstract: The plight of imagining and subsequently creating sustainable urban futures is often considered a ‘wicked problem’ needing complex solutions. Through this paper I propose that the ‘Muse’ is an important part of this ‘wicked’ conversation and can infuse the process with culturally rich meaning that enables communities to construct more sustainable cultures of living. Creative practices – from art, design, craft, writing, music and other forms of cultural production – can play an important role in enabling communities to develop cultural perspectives on the complex issues they face. Not just as art for art sake, but actively engaging creative process in sustainability projects as dynamic, experimental and cutting edge projects that pull together the artist, academic, industry and community. Not just the cult of artistic genius, but building creative communities that can keep engaging in this wicked conversation with all the messiness and complexity of the many interconnected facets that make up sustainability. There are emerging examples of creative industries forging new ground in engaging with issues of sustainability and wellbeing in local communities. The not for profit organisation Groundswell is using the arts to promote resilience and well-being through all phases of life and BighART partners with artists and communities to run projects that empower communities to change through the arts. This paper looks at the value of developing co-creation and co-design projects that form partnerships between creative practice and local community, organisations, and industry to tackle ‘wicked problems’ and find creative, dynamic and empowering outcomes.