Social Art and Participatory Action Research in Contested Urban Space

This article examines creative co-research with groups experiencing homelessness and the effects of rapid urban development. It draws upon two projects which combine social art practices a feminist participatory action research (PAR) approach. The paper argues that bridging PAR arts practice, whilst underutilised under theorised together, is an approach offers some key opportunities as well challenges. In highlighting these challenges, acknowledges role power dynamics broader issues associated artists working in development contexts where relationships between local authorities, developers, culture sector residents are increasingly complex entangled. analysing difficulties risks within creative, projects, calls for ‘ethic care’ focus on collectively building knowledge about unequal political, economic structures affected by displacement.
 
 Article received: May 31, 2021; accepted: June 23, Published online: October 15, Original scholarly article
 How to cite this article: Heslop, Julia, Hannah Marsden, Alison Merritt Smith. "Social Art Participatory Action Research Contested Urban Space." AM Journal Media Studies 26 (October 2021): 115-128. doi: 10.25038/am.v0i26.475