Abstract
This article explores the concept of practice-based research as a viable research avenue for academics in creative disciplines with a view to contextualise the importance of research for all academics, including those in creative disciplines; investigate a framework for defining practice-based research; extrapolate existing models and methods of practice-based research from the literature; develop a plausible working strategy for practicebased research; and finally determine the extent to which the “Tracking creative creatures” project complies with the requirements of practice-based research. While practice-based research is fairly well represented in the literature, the peculiar characteristics of creative work require a reconceptualisation of how research imperatives are satisfied in practice-based research. Practical outputs as embodied research, the importance of the creative process and its reflective documentation and collaborative strategies in creative projects emerged as salient issues. The “Creative creatures” project was found to have complied with most of the requirements of practice-based research and certain proposed amendments to the approach followed with this project will assist future projects in attaining viable research status, but these need to be framed within an institutional and funding environment that fosters creative work as research.
Highlights
The Tracking creative creatures project which culminated in a largescale exhibition at the 2007 Aardklop National Arts Festival marked a significant moment in the way that creative work was regarded by many of those who participated in the project as well as those who afterwards reflected on it
Research as an academic pursuit needs to comply with a number of criteria, such as differentiation from previous work to constitute “new knowledge”; it must be rendered accessible via publication – and open to scrutiny by peers; it must be transparently structured in terms of process and outcomes – these are often said to be exegetical in nature; and it must be transferable beyond the specific project – the research must be adequately theorised, described and contextualised
Some of the important points raised during the course of the literature overview are that academics in the creative disciplines need a platform for putting forward their research results, which will in all likelihood be creative results and require a reconceptualisation of the nature of the research activity
Summary
The Tracking creative creatures project which culminated in a largescale exhibition at the 2007 Aardklop National Arts Festival (held during September) marked a significant moment in the way that creative work was regarded by many of those who participated in the project (and who reflected on the project during its progress) as well as those who afterwards reflected on it (when producing articles such as this one). This is not likely, to happen in an unqualified manner: conceptual clarity regarding the term practice-based research is necessary, as well as implications regarding accreditation, institutional acknowledgement, research equivalents, funding possibilities, the relationship between creative and written (most probably “theoretical”) work, qualifications and others is obviously necessary if the effort to create a research space for the creative disciplines is to be successful Not all of these can be addressed in the scope of an article – a number of issues will be extended here which will hopefully participate in constructive debate on the acceptance and requirements of practice-based research. Once a framework for practice-based research has been set up, to what extent can the “Creative creatures” project be seen as an example of practice-based research – with reference to successes and possible shortcomings?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
