Creative processes of impact making: advancing an American Pragmatist Methodology

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the social impact of creative research methods. Design/methodology/approach Using the new methodology of cultural animation (CA), the authors highlight how knowledge can be co-produced between academics, community members and organisational practitioners. Drawing on the UK Connected Communities programme, the authors explore examples of immersive and performative techniques including arts and crafts, drama and poetry. Findings The authors showcase the practical and theoretical benefit of such exercises to generate impact and influence. Empirically, the authors demonstrate the potential of CA to bring together researchers and community members in useful partnerships that foster dialogical exchange. Theoretically, the authors extend and develop the value of American Pragmatism by highlighting how democratic, iterative and practical learning plays out through the materials, networks and processes of cultural animation. Social implications Exploration of the examples leads us to propose and explore impact as a form of legacy which captures the temporal, processual and performative nature of knowledge sharing and co-production. Originality/value The methodology of CA is innovative and has not been tested widely to date although, as the authors illustrate, it is particularly useful for encouraging interaction between academics and the wider world by developing and nurturing interactions and relationships. It carries potential to contribute new insights to the theorisation and lived experience of organisation.

Production efficiency in handicrafts manufacturing on the example of decorative ceramics: the use of training for making craft products made of glass fiber reinforced concrete

“…Clay has the advantage that it can be shaped by adding and subtracting so that the shape can be achieved according to the design drawing. This is done by exploring examples of immersive and performative craft techniques so that practical skills can be understood in detail (Kelemen & Hamilton, 2019). Participants can make and understand in preparing tools and materials for forming and making molds.…”