lightbulb by Maxim Kulikov from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Creative Methods and Multimodal Engagements in Anthropology: A masterclass with Dr. Fiona McDonald

June 22, 2021

3hrs

Location: University of Manhester, Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology

OVERVIEW

This workshop is aimed to think through the possibilities for creating anthropological knowledge in public spaces. This workshop will be inclusive and dynamic in the context of a virtual world of remote learning that we are all living in. And please note, no matter what stage one is at in relation to their project—this workshop is a free space to think and imagine. The learning objective of this workshop is to get each participant engaged with ideas around creating ethically considered multimodal efforts of your own work in order to reach more publics and present your work beyond the written form from exhibition to installation, from rapid-prototypes to performances, from creating digital tools to interventions, and beyond.

During this three-hour workshop, the first hour will allow for introductions followed by a presentation of Dr. McDonald’s work that will be situated in relation to deeper critical reflection on the history of creative methods in anthropology from arts-based ethnography to more interdisciplinary efforts related to research-creation. In the second hour, participants will get a chance to engage individually in a multimodal method during the second hour, and during the third-hour participants will get to collaboratively soundboard ideas about their own work no matter what stage they are at in their process. There will be short 5-10mins wellness breaks between each hour.

Post-workshop, Dr. McDonald will share a Google Folder with a summary of knowledge of existing literature, a list of recommended readings will be circulated to participants after the workshop that will help participants to think about the range of methodological engagements. Readings will reflect answers sought by participants (ie. theory, method, or case studies).