2023’s Getting Started in Participatory and Coproduced Research Training Workshop
On 17th July 2023, Lucy Green (Faculty Head of Engagement), Gary Hickey (Senior Public Involvement Manager, Agora Digital Centre) and Katie Porter (Project Manager, Agora Digital Centre) held the second annual training workshop on participatory and co-produced research for staff, students and public members at the John Hansard Gallery.
The focus of the half-day event was on arts-based approaches in health research, the collaborative relationships between artists and researchers in real-life projects, and how the arts can be used to engage and involve patients and the public with research. Attendees shared their ideas on the benefits and challenges of using arts-based approached in research, and we heard from researchers and artists on their experiences.
If you are interested in finding out more about the event, you may like to watch these videos:
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words: Visualising Biomedicine for Sci-Art and Patient Participation in Research – It is still true that “a picture paints a thousand words”, no more so than in the field of biomedical research where microscopy (often multimodal) is a key component of most scientific publications; revealing structure and function. Dave Johnston briefly introduces the range of imaging techniques the BIU can offer and some past Sci-Art collaborations before handing over to Anna Heinrich and Leon Palmer to talk about one of their latest projects using our microscopes.
The Bone Crayon: Claire Clarkin talks about ‘The Bone Crayon’ which was co-produced with artist Louise Fraser. It represents the concealed structures within the bone by many layers and colours and how internal differences in our bones are hidden throughout life. ‘The Bone Crayon’, which can be explored in multiple ways, engages a wider audience with complex information in a fun and active way through the physical movements of drawing, exploring the bone crayon through sculptural excavation and our senses of colour, texture, and smell. We recommend switching on captions for this video.
Different Types of Art and Science Projects: Jessica Santer’s (Turner Sims) presentation will introduce different ways that a creative approach can support individual’s health and wellbeing, as well as improve medical environments and raise awareness of public health issues. We recommend switching on captions for this video.
A Walk in the Park: During the event, we shared information about ‘A Walk in the Park,’ a co-created nature themed visual art and music video resources to support wellbeing. This project was led by Cindy Brooks (research fellow, artist and musician) and Dr Michelle Myall (Senior Research and Implementation Fellow). You can view the video via the Turner Sims YouTube channel.
- Q&A with the speakers:
- How do we approach some of the challenges to incorporating art in health research? The Q&A speaker panel discuss some of the stumbling blocks to using arts-based approaches in health research.
- How should researchers approach ethics in arts-based approaches? The Q&A speaker panel discuss what people need to consider in terms of the ethics of arts-based approaches in health research and working with young people.
- Will people want to get involved in arts-based research? The Q&A speaker panel discuss how fear of failure may discourage some from getting involved and the idea that arts engagement activities may be gendered.
Traci Carroll, who attended and helped to plan the workshop, was invited onto the Q&A panel at the workshop and has also written a blog reflecting on the workshop and her public involvement experience with the Faculty of Medicine over the past year. Find out more via these links.
- Introducing Traci: Traci talks about her journey as an author and public contributor. Traci is the Southampton-based author of ‘Millie Doesn’t Mind,’ a black, indigenous, and people of the colour story of awareness and inclusion about a little girl with a big heart and the self-confidence to inspire others.
- Read Traci’s blog here.
Do you have any ideas for what could be included in next year’s event? Add your thoughts to this Padlet board.
Find out more about the 2022 workshop here.