Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

Numerous artists address themes related to human displacement, disasters and climate change through community-based projects, exhibitions in art institutions, academic research, activist campaigns, and direct contributions to international policymaking processes. This presentation discusses on-going, practice-based doctoral research exploring how international relations theory, namely Martha Finnemore and Kathryn Sikkink’s theory of a norm life cycle, can provide a foundation for elaborating a theoretical and conceptual framework to analyze and better understand the impacts of these diverse forms of artistic engagement. By applying the framework to examine five case studies of artistic practice, the research ultimately aims to propose potential strategies artists could consider for engaging and contributing to international policymaking efforts to improve protection and assistance for people displaced by disasters. Discussion will be welcomed on the overall research question and approach, examples of artistic practice, and research methodology.