Engaging Audiences and Catalysing Change through the Arts: An Arts-Based Knowledge Translation Framework for Researchers

About the Webcast

Arts-based knowledge translation (ABKT) involves using the arts to communicate research findings to inspire positive shifts in thinking, feeling, and action. As a form of knowledge mobilisation, ABKT has gained traction in recent years because of its demonstrated potential to engage diverse audiences—particularly those outside of academia—by encouraging alternative and affective ways of understanding research knowledge. However, researchers with limited knowledge of or skills in the arts may feel ill-equipped to infuse artmaking into their research processes. In response to this barrier, Kukkonen and Cooper (2019) developed an ABKT planning framework to assist researchers in their arts-based efforts. The framework comprises four stages, derived from a cross-sector analysis of ABKT literature: 1) identify goals in relation to target audiences; 2) select appropriate art genre(s) and medium(s) for disseminating the research; 3) build partnerships with artists and other community members to strengthen the process and outcomes of the ABKT initiative; 4) plan methods for disseminating and tracing the impact of ABKT processes and products on target audiences. Since its publication, the framework has been applied to numerous research projects and knowledge mobilization initiatives around the world. In this webinar, I will illuminate the potential of ABKT through the lens of the framework and offer practical examples of the framework in action.

How to Participate

1. Join the Zoom webcast: On November 13, 2024, from 3-4 PM Eastern. The webcast will be recorded and archived for future viewing.

About the Presenter

Tiina Kukkonen is an Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Education in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University, Canada. She has contributed research in the areas of early childhood development through art, artist-school partnerships, rural arts education, and arts-based research. The arts-based knowledge translation planning framework (Kukkonen & Cooper, 2019) she co-developed has been widely cited by researchers and organizations around the world. As an educator, Tiina has taught visual arts to learners of all ages across school and community environments. The driving force behind her work is the desire to make visual arts education accessible, relevant, and inspiring for all. To that end, she explores playful, artful, and practical approaches to teaching and research. Tiina currently serves on the executive committee of the Canadian Society for Education through Art.