During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff chat with their colleague Dr. Michael Finneran about the topic of ‘creative justice.’ Rachael and Michael have been exploring this concept, and its applications around the world, for the last few years - the discussion explores the histories, theories, applications, and healthy tensions within the big idea.
In this episode you’ll learn:
About the concept of ‘creative justice’ and the role of arts education within its framework;
How expanding the discourse on change-oriented arts education can interrogate the grand narratives which influence our work; and
In what ways critical reflection can impact creativity, justice, and activism through the arts.
Check out some of the things mentioned during this podcast, including:
“Can Assessment Bring About Creative Justice?” session from the World Alliance for Arts Education Virtual World Summit 2021
Dancing toward the light in the dark: COVID-19 changes and reflections on normal from Australia, Ireland and Mexico article underpinning the research
Civil Disco-Bedience: It’s Time To Dance For Your Life blog by Rachael Jacobs
Keep Making Art That Counts blog from Michael Finneran
The 10th International Drama in Education Research Institute
ABOUT DR. MICHAEL FINNERAN:
Dr Michael Finneran is the founding Head of the Department of Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Limerick (Mary Immaculate College) Ireland and Programme Director for the BA in Contemporary & Applied Theatre Studies.
Michael’s research interests lie in applied theatre, drama education, theatre practice, creativity, arts policy and social justice in the arts. He has published widely in those areas and is co-author (with Prof. Kelly Freebody) of Critical Themes in Drama: Social-Cultural and Political Analysis in Drama Education & Applied Theatre (Routledge, 2021) and co-editor of a number of volumes, including Drama and Social Justice: Theory, research and practice in international contexts (Routledge, 2016), Applied Theatre: Understanding Change, (Springer, 2018), Education and Theatres (Springer, 2019). He is currently Principal Investigator on an Irish Research Council/Creative Ireland funded study examining creativity and wellbeing.
Michael led the establishment of the professional 510-seat Lime Tree Theatre in 2012 and served on the board for a decade. He is currently is Chairman/Cathaoirleach of the board of Branar Téater do Pháistí , and Chairman of the board of Dance Limerick. Michael is a practicisting theatre artist, working as director, producer and designer in professional and community theatre. Michael was a Gilbert Visiting Fellow to the University of Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Institute in 2022 and was added to the DCU Alumni Distinguished Wall in 2020.
This episode was produced by Rachael Jacobs; the executive producer is Jeff M. Poulin. The artwork is by Bridget Woodbury. Creative Generation’s Digital Media Producer is Daniel Stanley. This podcasts’ theme music is by Distant Cousins. For more information on this episode and Creative Generation please visit the episode’s webpage and follow us on social media @Campaign4GenC