A multi-stakeholder approach: using visual methodologies for the investigation of intercultural exchange at cultural events

Abstract

New and innovative approaches to event research are continually emerging as the discipline matures and new avenues for research are sought. Thus, developing a greater depth of understanding of event design and how it links to the overall event experience is an area which is becoming increasingly significant to the success of 'planned events'. To this end, effective approaches to the measurement of the social impacts of the event experience on the attendees and other participants are required. Also required, however, are suitable methodologies with which to measure the social impacts arising from the event experience. One such social impact is intercultural exchange and communication, which is often cited, but rarely measured. Visual methodologies have been utilised in tourism and anthropological research but there is little evidence of their usage in event related research. Arguably less effective when utilised singularly, if they are used in conjunction with other methods of inquiry, visual methods can add value and credibility to the research. Based on a case study of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (LIME) this paper presents a framework for the investigation of intercultural exchange and communication at cultural events utilising stakeholder interviews, participant observation and visual methodologies. The use of participant-led photography to elicit responses and discussion of experiences facilitates a deeper understanding of the event experience through the assessment of real experiences of intercultural exchange. The paper also considers how such methodologies can be used to evaluate the extent of social impacts in the context of cultural events and guide event organisers as to how events can be developed and engineered to maximise their positive social impacts.

The case for constructionist, longitudinal and ethnographic approaches to understanding event experiences

“…The research tools and techniques varied depending on the required outcome from each phase of the research and the stakeholders involved. This constructionist case study approach is further detailed in Davies et al (2015) and summarised in figure 1.…”

“…For example, in the case study event in this paper its origins and ethos lie in the post World War 2 period and the desire to enhance intercultural communication and understanding, through the arts. Thus a key question for this event is how do people experience and interpret intercultural communication and exchange in an events context (Davies, Ritchie & Jaimangal-Jones, 2015)? Answering such questions enables us to better understand how people respond and react to different aspects of the event design and programming to arrive at their experience (Berridge, 2012).…”

“Dear International Guests and Friends of the Icelandic Horse”: Experience, Meaning and Belonging at a Niche Sporting Event

“…Holloway et al, 2010;Mackellar, 2013;Ziakas & Boukas, 2013). Following calls from scholars advocating a more phenomenological perspective for research on events (Getz et al, 2001;Pettersson & Getz, 2009;Coghlan & Filo, 2013;Davies et al, 2014), we conducted a study based on participant observation of Landsmót 2012 in Reykjavík. Our initial aim with this project was to observe the spatial and temporal qualities of the event by noting how event spectators moved around the event site, and the extent to which this movement was influenced by the event programme, the physical environment of the event site and external factors such as the weather and time of day.…”

“…A growing body of event management literature is beginning to consider events as meaningful experiences, utilizing ethnographic methods to understand events from the perspectives of different stakeholders, such as spectators, organizers and participants (Holloway et al, 2010;Coghlan & Filo, 2013;Davies et al, 2014).…”

Identificando a evolução e os fronts de pesquisa em temáticas por meio do mapeamento bibliométrico

“…Os pesquisadores procuram identificar como a população se comporta e considera o planejamento e operação dos eventos, apoiando ou não tais encontros, a partir da compreensão de uma organização sustentável. Outros estudos foram conduzidos em pequenas comunidades rurais e resorts, valendo ressaltar o planejamento turístico sustentável sob a ótica de análise de múltiplos atores/stakeholders envolvidos (Davies, Ritchie & Jaimangal-Jones, 2015;Hanrahan & Maguire, 2016).…”