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Contradiction, Collaboration and Criticality: Researching Empowerment and Citizenship in Community-Based Arts

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Abstract

This chapter examines the work of two London-based community arts organisations: London Bubble Theatre and the Stream Arts which were selected as The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Take Part case studies.1 The work of these organisations demonstrates how arts organisations and arts practitioners are well placed to explore the themes of social action and community empowerment. Through participative and socially engaged practice, they create highly relevant and aesthetically sophisticated local projects which stimulate people to take an active and critical role in civic society. Both of these research studies were presented to the Taking Part conference/’un-conference’, contributing to discussions with colleagues from arts organisations, Third Sector organisations and academics from the United Kingdom and beyond, internationally, as the previous chapter has already explained.

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© 2013 Alison Rooke

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Rooke, A. (2013). Contradiction, Collaboration and Criticality: Researching Empowerment and Citizenship in Community-Based Arts. In: Mayo, M., Mendiwelso-Bendek, Z., Packham, C. (eds) Community Research for Community Development. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137034748_9

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