Our research teams have been engaging in arts-based research for some time now to make research more accessible. This blog highlights three arts-based research projects developed in Canada, each developed to mobilize knowledge about homelessness in ways that inspire understanding and positive action.
Project 1: Walking Through Wonderland (2010)
The film, Walking Through Wonderland, captured the daily lived experiences of many youth experiencing homelessness, and explored the pathways into homelessness for youth. The film highlighted that many youth experience homelessness due to family trauma.
Several positive actions were taken following the mobilization of the film. For example, a university dental clinic agreed to provide unhoused individuals free service (i.e., dental extractions). In addition, at a community meeting, the city’s Mayor noted its powerful impact
“I think it does an amazing job of making people see homelessness from a point of view that needs to be seen” – Mayor of Halifax
Project 2: The Book of Images (2018)
This visual project portrayed the stories of young people in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, Ontario, who had previously experienced homelessness. The process of transitioning from homelessness often began prior to securing stable housing, with many participants citing traumatic events as catalysts for change. The majority of young people remained vulnerable as they transitioned to housing, facing ongoing struggles such as family conflict and abuse.
Our graphic novel of black and white images was developed by three study participants who collaborated with an artist to create the characters, storyline, and dialogue. This project aims to bring their stories to life.
Project 3: Homelessness During the Pandemic (2022)
The third research project took the form of an animated short film titled, Homelessness During the Pandemic, which used striking images and classical, almost haunting, music in the background to depict the experiences of homelessness during COVID-19 in two communities of Nova Scotia – Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Due to pandemic restrictions, research participants could not directly contribute to the animation. Instead, the research team—drawing on their expertise in homelessness—worked with a local animator and artist to create a powerful visual representation.
The film revealed key challenges faced by unhoused individuals during the pandemic:
- Shelters, soup kitchens, and public spaces, such as the Central Library in Halifax HRM, were shut down, leaving unhoused individuals with even fewer resources
- The provincial premier’s rallying cry—”Stay the blazes home!”—failed to acknowledge that many people had no home to stay in.
- Two “Service Tables” were established in HRM and CBRM to coordinate responses to homelessness. Unfortunately, unhoused individuals were not included in these discussions.
Given that our province sits on the Atlantic coast, we thought we could best illustrate the COVID-19 devastation by using an ocean metaphor.
While those who were housed and had money also experienced some struggles throughout the pandemic, they appeared to be on a luxury cruise compared to lower income populations who are depicted here in a paddle boat, or even worse, by those who were experiencing homelessness and left treading water, feeling abandoned and about to drown.
Conclusion
Art is a powerful tool for advocacy and change. It makes research findings more accessible, sends strong visual messages to policymakers, and highlights the urgency of systemic issues.
Our work underscores the need for policymakers and service providers to include unhoused individuals in decision-making processes because those directly affected should have a voice in shaping solutions.
Read the full article here: https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ijoh/article/view/16764