In this workshop, Victoria will introduce participants to arts-based research with marginalised communities. She will discuss epistemological and methodological issues that underpin novel research methods such as poetry, visual art and photovoice. Such methods can raise a range of ethical concerns which will be considered. Plentiful examples will be given of how these methods can engage communities in producing knowledge about themselves. The workshop will include creative exercises for participants to take part in to give them a flavour of the potential of this way of working.

Please bring your mobile phone or digital camera. We will be using these to take photographs in the practical photovoice exercise.

Outline

- Why use the arts in social research?

- Why is it important to encourage the participation of marginalised groups in knowledge production?

- How do the arts help facilitate this?

- Exploring arts-based methods:

• Storytelling

• Crafting

• Poetry

• Photovoice

- Practical exercise

• Photovoice

Audience & Prerequisites

This workshop is designed as an accessible introduction to arts-based research with marginalised communities. No prior knowledge is necessary. Through this workshop, participants will gain an appreciation of how the arts can promote meaningful engagement with marginalised communities and enhance social scientific research. They will receive insight into the advantages and disadvantages of a range of arts-based methods, including practical understanding of photovoice method.

Readings & Resources

Foster, Victoria (2016) Collaborative Arts-based Research for Social Justice. London: Routledge.

Schedule

Introduction to arts-based research with marginalised communities including:

• Background to arts-based research

• The benefits of involving marginalised groups in knowledge production

• Introduction to a range of arts-based research methods

• Practical photovoice exercise.