Abstract
This paper describes a creative arts-based research project conducted with human rights defenders working with refugees and asylum seekers on the Mexican side of the US/Mexican border. A Community Cultural Development methodology supported 51 human rights defenders create two public murals in Tijuana and Mexicali. CCD is a collaborative artistic approach for social transformation where artists and communities come together. CCD provides inclusive opportunities for people to creatively express themselves, exchange personal stories, and improve their artistic skills while enhancing cultural understanding. CCD is suggested as a key tool for community empowerment through democratic decision-making, challenging power structures, and increasing community involvement. The mural project aimed to visually express human rights defenders’ identities and raise awareness about their work with migrants in the Mexican borderlands. The paper presents research results from interviews with ten key human rights defenders during the CCD process. The research showed how the CCD process encouraged participants to mobilise local authorities and communities to join them in protecting the human rights of refugee and asylum seekers at the border. The research emphasises the importance of using participatory creative practice to support human rights work by creating visual stories that challenge negative discourse about HRDs and their work. The research also shows how art can influence governments. The human rights defenders unanimously expressed positive experiences with the CCD project and mural creation, which enhanced their visibility and allowed them to share their work with others.
Presenters
Faval CopedoStudent, Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
ARTS-BASED, COMMUNITY CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS, DISCOURSE
