Visualising dementia activism: using the arts to communicate research findings

Abstract

This article contributes to methodological debates regarding the role of art in communicating research findings in the context of a completed research project on dementia activism. Previous work has focused on the value and effectiveness of using art to communicate research, rather than the actual transformation and creative process. As a result, there has been an inadequate exploration of how the art affects the scholarly endeavour. In this article, I report on a completed project involving a social scientist, curator, and installation artist, and research participants working in partnership to communicate research using art, specifically textile banners and documentary film, for an exhibition based on original research on dementia activism. I contend that art is a powerful tool for communicating research knowledge but it can overshadow the scholarly endeavour to both positive and negative effects. Researchers need to be aware of what art can offer, and what it cannot, when it comes to research communication.