Drawing out experiential conflict knowledge in Myanmar: arts-based methods in qualitative research with conflict-affected communities

Bliesemann de Guevara, Berit, El Refaie, Elisabeth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5928-9297, Furnari, Ellen, Gameiro, Sofia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2496-2004, Julian, Rachel and Payson, Alida ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7957-5303 2022. Drawing out experiential conflict knowledge in Myanmar: arts-based methods in qualitative research with conflict-affected communities. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development 17 (1) , pp. 22-41. 10.1177/15423166211015971

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Abstract

This article argues that arts-based methods such as drawing are particularly useful as means to explore experiential insights into how violent conflict impacts on individuals and communities in specific socio-cultural contexts and shapes their views of development and peace. It illustrates this through the discussion of a drawing workshop with members of violence-affected communities in Kachin state, Myanmar. Reflecting on the workshop findings and dynamics, and on the positive impacts the methods’ adoption had on practices of an international civilian protection NGO in Myanmar, the article concludes that, when implemented with care, arts-based methods do not only help accessing deep context-specific insights to complement outsider-expert analyses; by creating a safe space to share experiences, they also enable new engagements among local actors and with outside organizations, which can strengthen the primacy of local actors in peacebuilding and development initiatives.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	English, Communication and Philosophy Journalism, Media and Culture Psychology
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
ISSN:	1542-3166
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 May 2021
Date of Acceptance:	22 April 2021
Last Modified:	02 May 2023 13:21
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/140911

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