Research in Context Guest Lecture - Gary Bratchford

Dr Gary Bratchford – Photographer & Associate Professor

Dr Gary Bratchford is currently an Associate Professor of Photography at Birmingham City University but is also a recognised writer, editor and curator whose main areas of research include visual sociology, visual culture and collaborative visual methods which he uses to explore the intersections between vision, visibility and the ways in which image-makers engage with these themes contexts and geographies (Birmingham City Institute of Creative Arts, 2024). 

One of his pieces of research that links to my own practice was his 9-month project on socially engaged photography and wellbeing which had been commissioned by Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Liverpool photography organisation, Open Eye Gallery (Bratchford, G et al, 2018). 

- It's a collaborative and participatory art practice where the project is co-produced between artist and participant.

- Cartiere (2016) suggests the aim of SEP is to generate change by intervening in social relations.

- SEP (art, photography, film) is often firmly embedded in the place in which it is sited and grapples with the social conditions, political contexts and unique histories of the environment.

- But it's also portable. This portability allows for intersubjective encounters - projects where people and ideas meet to create something new, that didn't exist beforehand (Bratchford, 2019).

This study used several different research methodologies to gain the results and outcomes of the study, starting with qualitative data research in the form of 'asset mapping'. Ordinance survey maps were observed of the area as well as documented photography (visual survey and Social semiotics) of the area to search for observable findings that could correlate with the quantitative data that showed that residents of the Windmill Hill area of Runcorn believed they were unhealthier and more likely to die than others in the surrounding area.

The following set of data was found from the sources of: National Index of Health Deprivation, Office of National Child Measure Programme, Employment and Worklessness Census (2011), National Index of Multiple Deprivation IMD (2010) and Big Local Ward Profile Statistics.

This data somewhat informed Gary of why residents perceptions of their own health was so negative.

Though initial observations of the Windmill Hill area had only shown lots of green areas and a pleasant looking area a further look and interactions with the locals through semi-structured interviews during more data collection through photo walks, where disposable cameras were offered to participants of the study where they could take photos of things that interested them in their local area or had an impact on their day to day life. He was able to illicit information such as transportation to the are being poor due to slim roads lots of mini roundabouts and bus routes not entering the estate due to this whilst also being infrequent causing a lack of freedom for residents who felt trapped in the area.  However the photo walks also encouraged participants to see the positives of the local area and get them talking with each other raising a community spirit and also "It led to them feeling 'socially engaged' - duty bound to highlight their environment for positive change and use their photos to open dialogue with local authorities." Some of these groups that formed during the study such as the Runcorn Women's photography group have remained long after the research was conducted producing annual calendars among other products showing that the social and emotional benefits of the photography were a result of the process not just participants taking part.

An end product of said photography sessions was a published book "As and When" which featured photographs from the participants as well as their creative writing about why they took the photo, it's significance to them and the area, as well as an instillation in the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool to display their work and show the participants their observations and opinions on the area mattered ass well as producing a greater political agency for change.

Tangible benefits of the research and interactions with the Windmill Hill community:

- Social Benefit - A sense of belonging.

-Cognitive Benefits - Improved concentration.

- Health Benefits - Improved mobility, vitality and an improved sense of rejuvenation.

- Emotional Benefit - less stressed, worth, value, recognition - greater sense of purpose, socially and politically.

- Greater political agency.

- Better visual literacy and communication confidence.

How does this relate to my own practice?

Whilst an initial observation would find very little similarities between photography and game design the quote below from Garry Bratchford as to why he chose to conduct the commissioned piece of research is rather telling.

"This topic matters to me because I am passionate about the arts, communities and wellbeing. I am inspired by those who see the potential for all three to foster positive changes. To work with those who understand that each element can enrich the other in a cycle of learning, if given the right affordances, such as time, patience and the room to accommodate setbacks as ‘part’ of the learning process. The co-authoring of arts-based engagement can be insightful and empowering. It can be a resource and a tool to effect change and contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing."

I find this duty for the wellbeing of a community as well as the idea behind socially engaged practice to be very similar to the concept of pro-social or transformative game design. Both are initiated with the purpose to bring about a positive change in social behaviours and require an in-depth and ranged variety of research methodologies to bring about success. With the outcome not being overtly displayed to participants during the process where Gary replaces the covert methods of on/off topic formats of transformative games to semi-structured interviews whilst participants take part in the research, with the interviews not being fully structured so a more natural response can be achieved. It's also useful to acknowledge how basic equipment was used during the stud such as disposable cameras to allow for the greatest amount of accessibility for participants rather than using the most advanced equipment that would require training and possibly alienate the participants, this could be transferred across to my own practice by relying on traditional formats for game design like TTRPG's, card or board games to allow for a wider audience to take part and increasing the chance for a more global impact.