Creative Arts Youth Work: Investigating a distinct Educational Practice

Creative Arts Youth Work (Beggan and Coburn, 2018) is an authentic and participatory means for young people’s expression of voice. Combining creative arts within youth work has been a particular response to sustained financial and workforce cuts and austerity measures within both the youth and arts sectors. This study will explore the value in bringing these two fields together. 

Using the creative arts as a focus for the development of critical youth work and as a catalyst for emancipatory practice, this study will analyse a strength-based model of practice. This project would explore the synergies, shared characteristics and pedagogical approach of Creative Arts Youth work as a practice-based endeavour. The contribution of this research would support calls to move beyond what is stereotypically considered Youth Arts practice and encompass more digital and relation forms (Howard, 2022). 

This study will also intersect with issues of class, access and inequality for marginalised groups of young people. The creative and critical power of Creative Arts Youth Work in relation to refocusing society’s gaze on young people needs to be further explored. Alongside an investigation into Creative Arts Youth Work as a distinct educational practice. 

An investigation, such as this, would produce impactful research to support practice, as well as supporting the diversifying youth work field. A practitioner working in the youth sector or with experience of arts education would be best placed for this investigation.