Participatory visual methods for migration research: Photo and Video Voice

The workshop will contribute to the expansion of knowledge and critical thinking for the study of migration. Through theoretical and experiential approaches, the workshop will help strengthen participants’ knowledge of participatory and arts-based (PAB) methodologies to study migration issues . The workshop focuses on visual methodologies, specifically, participatory photography and video, and narrative techniques. Participants will perform practical photovoice and videovoice exercises that will allow them to become familiar with the techniques. The facilitators will share their research expertise with migrants in the Americas, examples of projects that use mixed methodologies including PAB methods. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of these emerging methodologies will be discussed such as the ethical entanglements of autoethnography approaches and issues of power, creative freedom, decolonization, authorship and censorship will be discussed. These exercises and discussions will help participants learn strategies that they can use and adapt for their own projects. Participants are expected to use their smart phones to create their own photo and video narratives and to access virtual creative spaces that will facilitate the development of the workshop.