The Creative turn in evidence for public health: community and arts-based methodologies

Roiyah Saltus, Ellie Byrne, Eva Elliott, Jen Angharad

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Abstract

Background
We propose that arts based methodologies can be of value in the production and exchange of evidence in supporting public health related policy. This paper reports on a collaborative piece of work resulting from two projects which took place in a former coal mining town in South Wales.

Methods
We used a participatory framework whereby researchers, community members and artists co-produced ‘evidence’ through the creative arts to inform public policy. We collected a range of data using a number of different techniques. including interviews, focus groups and observation, but also included an extensive range of creative activities.

Results
The data provided a diverse range of perspectives on how people of different ages live their lives. The People’s Platform was a performance-based debate which was the culmination of the collaboration. The show involved a series of short performances with time for facilitated discussion in-between. It was felt that the show facilitated knowledge exchange on health and wellbeing issues that are usually difficult to express and understand through traditional forms of evidence.

Conclusion
Whilst arts-based approaches are not free from risk, they offer an alternative form of knowledge as a necessary complement to the range of data available to policy makers.
Original languageEnglish
Article number4925600
Pages (from-to)i24-i30
JournalJournal of Public Health
Volume40
Issue numberSupplement 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • methods
  • public health
  • Communities
  • Wales

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