The HIVE: a co-created art installation about health

Area of Science:

• Arts-based knowledge translation
• Health communication
• Collaborative research

Background:

• Translational health research centers require innovative knowledge translation strategies.
• Arts-based approaches offer unique avenues for exploring complex health topics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe The HIVE, an arts-based knowledge translation (ABKT) initiative.
• To explore how artists engage with complex health issues through collaborative art installations.
• To evaluate the impact of ABKT on health research and practice.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed.
• Data collection involved artist statements and visual documentation.
• Analysis focused on the collaborative process and artistic outputs.

Main Results:

• The HIVE initiative involved eight diverse projects utilizing various artistic media (textiles, sculpture, poetry, photography).
• Projects addressed a wide spectrum of health issues, from palliative care to child healthcare.
• The initiative fostered collaboration among artists, researchers, service providers, consumers, and carers.

Conclusions:

• The HIVE served as a nucleus for collaboration, transcending a simple art installation.
• Emphasizing empathy and non-verbal communication, the initiative effectively translated and expanded health(care) research and practice.
• Arts-based knowledge translation proved valuable in engaging diverse stakeholders and communicating complex health information.