The Role of Arts-Based Approaches in Transformative Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research

Arts-based research methods draw from visual arts, literature, music, and performance to expand knowledge beyond logical reasoning, integrating diverse and experiential ways of knowing. These approaches foster interdisciplinary synergies and enhance key competencies such as creativity, imagination, reflexivity, and empathy—skills essential for addressing global challenges. Particularly in transdisciplinary research, arts-based methods support transformative learning by enabling shifts in perspectives, meaning-making, and action, which are crucial for long-term societal change. By engaging both reflective and imaginative dimensions, they create powerful opportunities for deep learning and sustainable transformation. This webinar aims to map existing arts-based methods used and systematically described in inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) research by analyzing key methodological repositories. Additionally, it seeks to establish a theoretical framework based on transformative learning theory to lay the foundation for developing new arts-based approaches that enhance the transformative potential of ITD collaborations, ultimately contributing to the advancement of transformative methodologies.