Art As Witness is an invitation for professors, researchers, clergy, educators, students, and activists to creatively integrate the arts in theology and religious studies for a practical theology of arts-based research that prioritizes public witness. This methodology challenges the traditional written word as being the privileged norm, arguing that this emerging research genre is an excellent, viable, and necessary option for research that supports, promotes, and publicizes liberating theology for the marginalized, victimized, and oppressed. It includes a detailed case study of "Art Inside Karnes," the all-volunteer arts-based ministry of presence the author facilitated inside a for-profit immigrant family detention center that became the Power of Hope traveling art exhibit for education, advocacy, and public witness. This primer covers practical ethical, legal, and political matters; includes pedagogical examples for how to use arts-based research for student assessment in theology and religious studies; and provides an overview of arts options, including literary genres, visual arts, fabric arts, theater, filmmaking, and new media with digital content. Art as Witness features 40 illustrations, several case studies, and multiple contributing theologian-artists who engage the arts in themes that include immigration, HIV/AIDS, biblical studies, political protest, gender equity, gun law reform, racial justice, and more.
Helen T. Boursier is professor at College of St. Scholastica.
Preface Acknowledgements Acronyms and Terms Introduction Illustrations Section One: Cultivating the ABR for TRS Connection 1.Arts-Based Research Definition and Overview 2.Cultivating the Arts-Based Research (ABR) to Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) Connection 3.ABR Enhances A Practical Public Theology Section Two: Practical Matters: Ethical, Legal, and Political 4.Ethical Considerations for ABR as TRS 5.ABR Legal Factors and Political Implications 6.Case Study Part 1: The Power of Hope: Art as a Ministry of Presence Inside an Immigrant Family Detention Center 7.Managing ABR Data for a Hermeneutics of TRS Theological Reflection 8.Case Study Part 2: The Power of Hope Traveling Art Exhibit Section Three: ABR Smorgasbord of Possibilities for TRS 9.ABR Literary Options for TRS 10.Visual Arts Choices for ABR with TRS 11.Fabric Arts for Empowerment, Education, Advocacy, and Public Witness 12.Theater Arts for TRS Data Collection and Public Witness 13.Filmmaking and New Media with Digital Content: YouTube Videos, Blogs, Podcasts, and Radio Section Four: Moving into the Public Square 14.The Vulnerability Factors TRS Engaging ABR for a Practical Public Theology 15.ABR Praxis for Action: Practical Theology Goes Public Appendices Appendix A: Sample 'Cease and Desist' Letter Appendix B: ABR for TRS Data Filing System Example Appendix C: TRS Job Board Example: Keeping Track of Projects In and Out Appendix D: Interfaith Welcome Coalition Power of Hope Exhibition Agreement Appendix E: Power of Hope Press Release Template Appendix F: Student Assessment Poetic Reflection Complete Example
