Research, practice, and policy connections: The ArtPlay case study

Abstract

This article explores the nexus between arts-based research, theory, practice, and policy. It does so through reference to a longitudinal study of ArtPlay, a unique Australian community arts center that offers artist-led workshops involving young people aged 3-13 years. The ethnographic and action research study investigated how children responded to ArtPlay workshops (engagement), how they benefited from such experiences (learning), and what broader encounters with culture and community were evident (cultural citizenship). Over a 4-year period (2007-2012), data collected included dual researcher observations of 39 workshops (100C hours), interviews with artists, ArtPlay staff, teachers, and..