Exploring the Challenges of Articulating Creative Practice Research – a MeCCSA 2023 Round Table Report

In the evolving landscape of academic research, the intersection of creativity and knowledge production has led to the emergence of creative practice research. This increasingly popular approach challenges traditional notions of research and communication, prompting a crucial question: how can the knowledge and value of creative practice research be effectively articulated within the academic sphere? A recent roundtable discussion hosted by the Media Communications and Cultural Studies Association (MECCSA) Practice Network delved into this very inquiry, aiming to shed light on the complexities surrounding the communication of creative practice research within academia and beyond. What follows is a summary of the conversation between Dr Ian McDonald (Newcastle University) and Professor Simon McKerrell (Glasgow Caledonian University) chaired by Dr Agata Lulkowska (Staffordshire University) at the MeCCSA 2023 annual conference. The panel was hosted by the MeCCSA Practice Network represented by Dr Roy Hanney (Southampton Solent University). The roundtable sought to better understand the challenges of articulating creative practice as research within academia. In particular, the conversation is framed by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, which seeks to assess and evaluate the reach, significance, and impact of creative practice research.

One of the central questions raised during the discussion was whether the knowledge produced by creative practice research differs from that generated by more traditional forms of research. Creative practice research, by its very nature, challenges the established norms of academic research, often requiring a re-evaluation of the means through which knowledge is generated and communicated. At the heart of the discussion lay the role of subjective experience in the production of knowledge within creative practice research. It was argued that creative practice research is inherently subjective because it involves the interpretation and expression of personal artistic insights and experiences, making each practitioner’s perspective unique and inherently shaped by their individual creative journey. This prompted an exploration into whether creative practice research serves as an ontological form of knowing – a unique perspective that stems from personal experience and creative expression – raising intriguing questions about the relationship between research and creative practice, and the means by which an original contribution to knowledge is articulated through the practice.

The need to translate the findings and insights from creative practice into textual forms for broader communication emerged as a critical challenge, especially within fields of practice where there is no substantial canon to reference. The discussion invoked the concept of “translation,” as proposed by Bruno Latour, to better understand the process of transforming tacit knowledge into articulate forms that resonate with both academic and non-academic audiences. A significant aspect of the conversation revolved around the value and identity of creative practice research within the academic realm. Participants pondered whether articulating the value of such research was solely the responsibility of the practitioner or whether collaboration with experts in research value articulation could enhance the process. The tension between maintaining the identity of practitioners while embracing the academic context was also explored, highlighting the complexity of navigating these dual roles.

One compelling point that surfaced during the roundtable was the assertion that articulating creative practice research is not just a task, but an inherent part of our responsibilities. As practitioners and academics, our roles extend to translating our insights, experiences, and knowledge into formats accessible to diverse audiences. Articulating creative practice research takes on added significance as it necessitates dialogue across various practice disciplines and academic contexts. By translating our insights into language that resonates beyond our immediate community, we bridge the gap between disciplines, fostering understanding and collaboration. In this light, the act of articulation emerges as a conduit for interdisciplinary exchange.

The process of articulation not only communicates our research but also shapes the identity of creative practitioners within academia. By effectively translating our tacit knowledge into tangible textual formats, we assert our presence and relevance in the academic sphere. Through articulation, we carve out a space for our unique blend of creativity and scholarly inquiry. Beyond personal identity, effective articulation contributes to the enrichment of the academic landscape as a whole. As creative practitioners embrace the duality within the role of practitioner and researcher they bring a distinctive perspective to the table, offering insights that challenge established norms and open new avenues of exploration. By sharing these insights through articulation, practitioners expand the horizons of knowledge and spark transformative conversations.

Ultimately, the roundtable reinforced the idea that creative practice research is an iterative process that involves constant cycles of concept, practice, and articulation. It emphasized the importance of curiosity as a foundational quality for creative practice researchers and the need to showcase both the quality of the practice and the clarity of articulation. The discussion served as a compelling exploration of the challenges inherent in articulating the knowledge and value of creative practice research within academia. While the landscape may be complex and multifaceted, it is clear that the pursuit of effective articulation holds immense value for both practitioners and the broader academic community. As creative practice researchers continue to push the boundaries of traditional research, finding innovative ways to communicate their insights becomes an essential endeavour that shapes the future of knowledge production and dissemination in academia.

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