Arts based research employs the principles and procedures of the arts to the act of researching information. It is thought by doing so that the information found when conducting this arts-based research will have a longer lasting impression on the researcher as they are more proactive in their learning journey. Arts based research can be conducted through any form of art whether this be; written (essay, novel, poem, song, drama), visual (drawing, painting, sculpture), expressive/performative (dance, drama, song, music, theatre), audio-visual or multi-media. The difference between simply engaging in the arts and engaging in arts based research is that, the first is solely for enjoyment or passion and whilst the later also supports those things its main purpose is ‘engaging in art making as a way of knowing’. The lectures for this module as well as those for a previous module entitled ‘Integrated Arts’ provide an excellent example of arts-based research. This can be evidenced throughout the blogs for both these modules, as most of our learning was conducted firstly in practical activities which were later backed up with theoretical knowledge. I am grateful for our lecturers having the insight to take this approach to our teaching, as it has made the course content memorable and enjoyable.
This method of researching is believed to be so valuable that there is an entire community dedicated to expanding and sharing the scientific data which backs up the effectiveness of this approach. Patricia leavy states that whilst in attendance of a seminar entitled ‘The neuroscience of art: What are the sources of creativity and innovation?’ she became enlightened in regards to the overwhelming size of this community, comprised of both artists and neuroscientists. She states that this seminar’s main point of discussion was the effect that engaging in the arts had upon the brain, specifically the areas which controlled engagement and memory recall.
