Creative Inquiry in Appalachian Studies: The Case for Arts Based Research

In what context can creative inquiry facilitate research? Can we use artistic techniques as an alternative or supplemental approach to traditional qualitative research? How does visual story telling strengthen community? How can we use the creative making of things to answer ambiguous questions and reveal collective meaning? These questions and more will be explored in this conversation about arts based research methodologies. Three ARC Appalachian Teaching Projects that utilize an arts based approach, including “Heirloom Seedkeepers & Their Stories” (UNG), “Higher Ground 4: Fog Lights” (SKCTC) and “Elk Knob Community Arts Project” (ASU), will be featured as we clarify and consider the ABER’s unique contributions and creative implications for the field of Appalachian Studies