Co-creative methods for practicing care-full scholarship (Imogen Humphris)

In her contribution to the ‘co-creativity and engaged scholarship’ collection, Imogen Humphris places the spotlight on the method of deep-mapping, as part of a first-hand critical account of its use within an ex-industrial area of the Glasgow docklands (Scotland).

In their chapter, Humphris et al., use deep mapping to instigate an evocative conversation about the legitimacy of marginalised uses of “discarded” places. Making optimal use of the ‘thick description’ that deep mapping affords, they weave together the rich layering of informal users and uses of their case study site – a site that, within traditional urban cartography, would otherwise be depicted as a vacant and derelict space. In doing so, Humphris et al. evidence and account for why co-creative arts-based practices, such as deep mapping, constitute valuable investigative tools. Through both their written and visual analysis, they demonstrate how deep maps can bring attention to place-making to better understand spaces, reshape relationships and support communities. However, in emphasising the political nature of deep mapping, Humphris et al. simultaneously draw attention to the process of deep mapping as requiring a collaborative and reflexive cycle of research, dialogue, learning and action. It is through such a co-creative approach that the possibility of giving voice to ‘marginalized micro-narratives’ can best be realised. As Humphris’ own personal critical reflection also shows, though, such a process must on no account be approached as unproblematic in and of itself.