Empathy and Exploration: Arts-Based Methods in Trauma-Informed Qualitative Evaluation Practice

Abstract Information: As we consider the theme of amplifying and empowering voices in evaluation, we ask whose story is left untold and unvalued – and the impact of leaving these voices unexplored in our work. Evaluation of sensitive topics is often a minefield, compounding the challenges of exploring traditionally overlooked populations with the complexities of investigating traumatic experiences. Arts-based evaluation methods are uniquely suited for the task of incorporating trauma-informed strategies into sensitive topics evaluation. Informed by the author’s experiences in arts-based methods and sensitive topics evaluation, this paper expands on previous strategies using qualitative arts-based methods for trauma-informed evaluation across various age groups and issues, the unique considerations for using arts-based trauma-informed methods with our most vulnerable populations, and specific examples from evaluation practice. By expanding our evaluation toolbox to incorporate these voices and topics safely and empathetically, we can move towards amplifying and empowering all voices in evaluation practice.