In this workshop, participants will explore some of the challenges, opportunities, and methodologies for engaging specific communities in artistic or research-based projects. We will discuss different meanings of the term “research,” considering how embodied forms of community engagement and environmental attunement can function as research. We will consider how research can be practiced through traditional and non-traditional methodologies. Dr. Nigam will discuss some of the research practices she has used and questions that have arisen while curating Black histories exhibit about the Eastern Townships, Quebec. She will also invite participants to share questions, challenges, examples, and best practices that arise out of their own projects.

Questions that we will ask include: How do we engage community in our projects? And, How do we learn about the different communities that we are working on/with/for?