Arts-based Methodologies for Global Challenges Workshop

This workshop invites contributions around new teaching and research methodologies which can aid expressive and reflective engagement with contemporary global challenges exacerbated by the climate crisis. We wish to explore new, culturally relevant, arts-based methodologies that have the potential to provide safe spaces for reflection and deep engagement with a range of global challenges, with a focus on the climate crisis, such as environmental migration and racial justice, food security and health, sustainable development and conservation. 

The event will provide opportunities to showcase and engage with a range of arts-based methodologies used in teaching and research engagement activities, as well as theoretical models. We are particularly interested in methods that combine multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, and include models of engagement based on participatory art, storytelling, digital approaches, in both face to face and virtual environments.

Arts-based approaches to teaching about, as well as research engagement with the climate crisis in the context of the global challenges agenda, are being recognised by scholars as key tools in the production of new forms of citizenship. Our workshop enquires into the utility and applicability of arts-based methodologies as both novel pedagogies in Higher Education and research methodologies of public engagement. The workshop will explore ways in which such arts-based methodologies could spearhead change beyond the HE sector.

Keynote Speakers: 

Professor Marie Gillespie, The Open University

Professor George Revill, The Open University

Submissions

We invite proposals for papers, panels, roundtable discussions and engagement activities relating to any aspect of this theme. Submissions may range from 10, 15 to 20 minutes. We welcome submissions in alternative formats, including artistic performances.

Please email us a 200-word abstract plus a short 50-word bio, in one file to digital-earth@open.ac.uk 

Deadline for abstract submission:  24th January 2022

Speakers will be notified:  31st January 2022

Conference Convenors:

Dr Maria Nita and Dr Yoseph Araya, The Open University

Conference Team:

Janice Ansine, Dr Carla Benzan, Prof Shonil Bhagwat, Dr Agnes Czajka, Dr Alessandra Marino, Professor George Revill, Dr Samuel Shaw, and Dr Dan Taylor at The Open University