The Spaces Between: Welcome and introduction to the seminar series

After an introduction to the series by Nisha Sajnani, there will be three presentations:

Childhood/children as researchers: Agency, voice and wellbeing - Phil Jones 

This presentation will explore the relationships between child rights, voice and research concerning children’s experiences of social exclusion and wellbeing. It will include research involving children as researchers into their own lives and connect this with debates drawing on the new sociology of childhood’s concepts of childhood as constructed and contextual.

Co-creative photographic practice as a communication tool - Deborah Padfield

This presentation will share the aims, methodologies and outcomes of several projects in the UK and India exploring the value of images and image-making processes to the assessment and management of chronic pain.

The projects explore ways in which co-created photographs of pain placed between patient and healthcare professional can trigger more negotiated dialogue in the consulting room and increase understanding between those living with and those witnessing pain. It will also invite discussion and feedback around the potential or not of co-creating a transcultural set of images or PAIN CARDS.

Arts, indigenous healing and community health development in Ghana: The ‘Tsui Anaa’ (Take Heart) Project - Ama de-Graft Aikins

Tsui Anaa is a community based chronic care project in Ga Mashie, Accra that Ama has led for ten years – which has incorporated arts based methods in community engagement, and illness management (for a patient support group), and working with children living in households affected by chronic illness.

Ga Mashie also has a strong tradition of indigenous healing arts, that is tied to cultural identities, imaginaries of healing and health-seeking practices. Ama will speak to the intersection of arts, indigenous healing arts and community health development in Ghanaian settings, using the Tsui Anaa Project as a case study.

This event will be particularly useful for those interested in arts and health, arts therapies and co-production of knowledge in research.

The Spaces Between: Equity, Voice, Agency and Care Practices Involving the Arts and Arts Therapies seminar series

What stops or helps agency and voice? How do they connect to equity? How do the arts and art therapies advance agency, voice, equity and care? What undermines or strengthens care? What are different practices in different countries? Attend our seminars and find out. The seminars will include presentations about research, art forms such as performances or sharing of art, include time to ask questions and think together. 

Related links

• UCL Grand Challenges
• Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS)
• Slade School of Fine Art