Evaluation Toolkit
A tool for participatory evaluation in the arts.
As socially engaged art practices transgress the boundaries between artistic work and civil society, it is necessary to introduce a trans-disciplinary approach to scientifically monitor, interpret and draw conclusions for best practices. What difference does an artistic approach make? To answer this question, we have developed a tool that addresses the aesthetic, methodological and processual logic that is inherent in these practices. Our methodology combines participatory action research, theory of change, art and design research, adaptive co-management, and social reporting standards. 1. PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH: Research is understood as the joint work of all actors. It is based on the different forms of knowledge of the people involved. The methodological framework is based on the state of knowledge of participatory action research. 2. THEORY OF CHANGE: Concept, objectives and procedure are developed simultaneously with the research questions and the initial theses. By this, a common understanding and collaboration between the actors will be created. The concept of the Theory of Change is suitable for building a bridge between the scientific (research question, methods used, etc.) and the practical initial questions (field of work, desired social changes, courses of action to achieve the changes) and for finding a translation. |
3. ART AND DESIGN RESEARCH: are to be understood as independent forms of knowledge and their methods of design behaviour and criticism are to be included. To this end, art and design must, of course, also actively involve themselves in practice, management and research.
4. ADAPTIVE CO-MANAGEMENT: Project adjustments central to success. This work is to be understood by all actors as an ongoing process, in which the various activities of practical implementation, management and research are integrated. Interim research results are continuously incorporated into the practical project work. We pursue an approach of adaptive co-management. 5. SOCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS: In order to be able to relate projects to one another and ultimately also to uncover potential for action in the form of "good practices", it must be possible to transfer the findings to standardised evaluation protocols such as SRS (Social Reporting Standards). The Evaluation Toolkit has been developed through a series of projects, in collaboration with Hyperwerk Lab for Process and Experimental Design - Academy of Art and Design - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northewstern Switzerland.
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