Welcome to our website and this discussion. Recently we had a wonderful seminar on arts-based research that introduced some thoughts about the intersections of arts-based research data generation and arts-based interventions or arts-therapies. At the end of the seminar we had a lively and important discussion about the differences, similarities, and intersections between arts-based research data generation the elicitation of intimate arts-based expressions from participants. We started to discuss the potential impact that such data generation can have on the participants; and, this our ethical responsibility as arts-based researchers. As an art therapist I do know the power of the art to elicit unconscious and, often unexpected ,thoughts and emotions which may awaken conflict and/or trauma. So my questions are to arts-based-researchers--where do we draw the line and how to we safeguard our participants?.
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This is such a fascinating area to explore! My colleagues and I have reflected on some of the unique ethical challenges of arts-based research that touch upon the above issues.
Here are references to some of this work that might inspire further conversation and interrogation in this space. I'd be interested in what others have thought about/written on this topic? Where are the current gaps? How do we deal with the art as therapy and art as research [often with therapeutic consequences]? Where are the overlaps and where are the distinctions? What have folks used to address 'dangerous emotional terrain' [we discuss potential strategies in Boydell et al, 2015 below] - would be interested in experience of others in addressing this.
Boydell, K.M., Hodgins, M.J., Gladstone, B.M., Stasiulis, E. (2017). Ineffable knowledge: Tensions (and solutions) in art-based research representation and dissemination. Journal of Applied Arts & Health. 8(3): 193-207.
Boydell, K.M., Solimine, C. and Jackson, S. (2017). Visually embodying psychosis: The ethics of performing difficult experiences. Ethics and visual research methods: Theory, methodology and practice., D., Guillemin, M, Cox, S., Waycott, J. (eds.), pp.201-210. Springer.
Cox, S.M. and Boydell, K.M. (2016). Ethical issues in arts-based health research. Chapter 11, Pp. 83-91, In Creative Arts in Public Health: International Perspectives, edited by Camic, P. and Wilson, L., London, UK: Oxford University Press.
Boydell, K.M., Solimine, C. and Jackson, S. (2015). Visual embodiment of psychosis: Ethical concerns when performing difficult experiences. Visual Methodologies. 3(2):43-52.
Boydell, K.M., Volpe, T., Cox, S., Katz, A., Dow, R., Brunger, F., Parsons, J., Belliveau, G., Gladstone, B.M., Zlotnik Shaul, R., Cook, S., Kamensek, O., Lafreniere, D. and Wong, L. (2012). Ethical challenges in arts-based health research. International Journal of the Creative Arts in Interprofessional Practice. Spring Suppl Issue. 11.
Gladstone, B.M., Volpe, T., Stasiulis, E. and Boydell, K.M. (2012). Judging quality in arts-based health research: The case of the ugly baby. International Journal of the Creative Arts in Interprofessional Practice. Spring Supplementary Issue. Issue 11.