When do arts-based methodologies work?: a case illustration involving newcomer experiences and knowledge-production in community-based research

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the joint-knowledge production that emerged through a community-based research project conducted in partnership with a social service organization. Specifically, we present an unanticipated metaphor (‘Canada is clean’) that became evident through utilizing an art-based methodology. The methodology had five participants assemble photo-diaries over the span of two weeks. Participants took (unedited) photographs of themselves and their environments using their smartphone. The photo diaries were then presented to two focus groups: (1) a group of consumer-recipients of the social service organization and (2) a group of program workers. The focus groups were analyzed through Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis tailored for assessing groups. We address the meaning of the central metaphor, though place an emphasis on the milieu that promoted its co-construction and thereby upon the conditions that enabled arts-based research to succeed.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based research
• resettlement
• knowledge production
• arts-based research
• photo diaries
• interpretive phenomenological analysis

Funding

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. This project received approval from Ambrose University’s Research Ethics Board.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chelsey J.J. Finney

Chelsey J.J. Finney’s research interests include a wide range of topics in cognitive, social, cultural, and criminal justice psychologies. She is a 2020 graduate from Booth University College’s Bachelor of Applied Psychology (Honors) Program.

James Cresswell

James Cresswell’s research interests draw on many sources ranging from cultural psychology to cognitive science and literary theory. He been part of several community-based research projects on topics such as acculturation, partnership development, refugee well-being, and poverty reduction. He serves as an editor for the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. He works at Ambrose University (Calgary, Canada). He has a deep commitment to education and enhancing the student experience.