Doctoral School

Participatory & Creative Methods in Migration Research: Audiovisual Storytelling and Public Engagement

Target audience

This seminar is aimed primarily at PhD researchers from Ghent University, and other Flemish universities (KASK, VUB, UAntwerpen) working with qualitative methods in the social sciences, humanities, and the arts. While highly relevant for researchers interested in participatory methods, creative dissemination strategies, research valorization and public engagement, it will be of particular relevance to researchers working on the broad topic of migration. The seminar will also be open to a limited number of more senior (i.e. postdoc and ZAP) researchers, provided there are spaces available. 

No prior technical expertise is required, but participants are expected to have an interest in developing skills for participatory methodologies and ethical reflections in migration research, as well as creative communication and dissemination strategies. 

Abstract

The 2-day seminar introduces PhD researchers to participatory and creative methods through thematic lectures and practical workshops. Day 1 starts with an introduction to critical pedagogy and participatory action research, followed by an in-depth case study of Mexican grassroots collective, Ambigú, who practice migrant solidarity through cycling, “slow” encounters around a cup of coffee and community cinema. We conclude the day with a public screening at KASK with Ambigú. On day 2, participants attend 2 practical workshops: one on street-level dialogue by Ambigú and one on participatory filmmaking by Irene Gutiérrez Torres. We conclude the course with a collective reflection.

Objectives

The seminar aims to equip participants with practical skills in audiovisual storytelling, which they can use both as a method of doing participatory research, and as a technique of disseminating research findings to broader publics. Drawing on Ambigú’s grassroots solidarity practice (eg. Useful Art as conceptual and methodological framework), participants will explore different strategies of translating complex, contentious topics into engaging narratives for diverse audiences. Through hands-on exercises with members of the Ambigú collective and experienced filmmaker, Irene Gutiérrez Torres, participants will develop the ability to communicate their research through such audiovisual and creative formats, gaining practical insight into storytelling as a tool for knowledge dissemination with both academic and non-academic audiences. The seminar encourages critical reflection on the ethics of participatory methods and engagement with diverse publics, particularly in sensitive research contexts. By the end of the course, participants will have strengthened their capacity to integrate creative and participatory methods into their own research practice.

Dates and venue

21 - 22 September 2026

Campus Mercator building A - Room A.104

Preliminary Programme

DAY 1 

Morning Session (3h): 

Introduction to participatory action research and critical pedagogy
·        Critical Pedagogy & Arte Util (Useful Arts as participatory and arts-based approach) in Migration Studies – by Augusto Rivero (Ambigú) 

·        Participatory filmmaking as research method – by Dr. Irene Gutiérrez Torres
Afternoon Session (3h): 

In-depth case study of Mexican grassroots collective Ambigú (Augusto Rivero, Italivi Vargas Cabral & Adrian Gamma)

 

Introduction to practical workshops of day 2 

I: street-level dialogue, urban mobility & audiovisual storytelling as Critical / Migrant Pedagogy (Ambigú collective) 

II: Hands-on workshop: participatory video and film making (Irene Gutiérrez Torres)

 

Evening activity (2-3h) 

KASK Cinema: film screening of the documentary “La Cocina de las Patronas”, followed by a conversation/ Q&A with the  Ambigú collective

 

DAY 2

Morning Session (3h)

Workshop I: Ambigú

Audiovisual storytelling 

Street-level dialogue and urban mobility

Afternoon Session (3h)

Workshop II: Irene Gutiérrez Torres

Participatory Video & Filmmaking 

Group reflection & Debrief (30 min)

Registration

  • Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. We check if you are eligible to participate. Due to limited places, we give priority to PhD students. Your registration will be confirmed by separate e-mail (outlook invite).
  • Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

  • The no show policy applies.

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 25

Language

English

Training method

Thematic lectures (3h)

Case-based learning (presentation of Ambigú + film excerpts of their archive + discussion) (3h)

Practical workshops by members of Ambigú & Dr. Irene Gutiérrez Torres (6h)

Group reflection + debrief (30 min)

 

Evening activity: Public film screening + Q&A with Ambigú at KASK Cinema (2-3h)

Evaluation method

100% attendance 
Active participation in discussions and practical exercises.

After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.