Arts-based research, wellbeing and A/r/tography: Developing individual capabilities

Arts-based research with young children provides new ways to understand children’s lives and perspectives. Arts-based research can be seen as a method within qualitative research study (Cole & Knowles, 2008). In recent years, there has been growth in the use of arts-based research tools in a number of disciplines, all seeking ways for children to participate and share their understanding of their world. This chapter provides a snapshot of current arts-based research tools with young children (aged birth to five years) in two disciplines; health and education. The chapter concludes with a reflection about visual methods and a call for researchers to also think about the engagement of other arts-based research tools that could be implemented with the youngest of children. Similarly, A/r/tography is a method by which artists/teachers/researchers can use art as research method. A/r/tography continually asks questions in an effort to engage with ongoing practices in art and education in order to create knowledge rather than discover it. In so doing, it is only resolved retrospectively as new understandings are shared upon reflection on practice (LeBlanc et. al., 2015). Six individuals representing six continents share their experiences as university professors teaching undergraduate and graduate classes or supervising graduate students completing a/r/tographic dissertations, or as PhD graduates who used a/r/tography as the methodology in their theses or dissertations.