New Materialist Affirmations: Creative Research Interventions in Methods and Practice

The international collection "New Materialisms and Creative Research Practice" explores how new materialisms have changed creative research practice, challenging dualistic modes of thought-in-practice through interdisciplinary methods. It covers screen and sound production, dance, literary theory, social media, creative writing, and community arts, with a focus on the methods employed by individual researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

New materialisms have revolutionized creative research practice, challenging dualistic modes of thought-in-practice. This international collection brings together arts-based researchers to explore these changes, focusing on the methods employed by individual researchers across interdisciplinary fields such as screen and sound production, dance, literary theory, social media, creative writing, and community arts. The collection covers transformations in scholarly practice through methods of crimping, which reflect the 4 thematic sections: bending, joining, making waves, and holding.

Bending involves exploring the boundaries of existing practices and creating new ones. It involves experimenting with different materials, techniques, and forms to create unique and innovative works. Joining involves connecting different disciplines and perspectives to create collaborative projects that address complex social and cultural issues. Making waves involves using sound, movement, and visual elements to create immersive and interactive experiences. Holding involves creating works that are stable and enduring, that can be experienced over time.

The collection includes a range of case studies and examples that demonstrate the impact of new materialisms on creative research practice. For example, a study of dance choreography explores how the use of digital technology has transformed the way that dancers create and perform their work. A study of literary theory explores how the use of social media has changed the way that writers connect with their readers. A study of community arts explores how the use of art to address social and environmental issues has created new opportunities for community engagement.

One of the key challenges of new materialisms is the need to address the ethical implications of using new technologies and materials. Researchers must ensure that their work is ethical, respectful, and sustainable. This includes considering the impact of their work on individuals, communities, and the environment. Researchers must also be aware of the potential for exploitation and discrimination in the creative industries.

To address these challenges, researchers must develop new methodologies and approaches. This includes using participatory research methods, which involve working with participants to create and shape their research. Researchers must also be aware of the potential for digital technologies to create new forms of inequality and exclusion.

In conclusion, new materialisms have revolutionized creative research practice, challenging dualistic modes of thought-in-practice. This international collection brings together arts-based researchers to explore these changes, focusing on the methods employed by individual researchers across interdisciplinary fields. The collection includes a range of case studies and examples that demonstrate the impact of new materialisms on creative research practice. Researchers must develop new methodologies and approaches to address the ethical implications of using new technologies and materials and to create new forms of inequality and exclusion.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399505352