Abstract

The increasing prevalence of collaborative arts engagements in recent years underscores the ongoing need to redefine ethical, caring relationships within artistic co-creations. Concurrently, the concept of Ethics of Care (EoC) has been integrated into community art projects, museum practices, and art education to foster dialogue on its definition and implementation in artistic and educational spaces. EoC is an ethic grounded in voice and relationships. It refers to promoting relational care based on contextual decision-making and attention to emotional, physical, and social needs (Gilligan, 1982; Sander-Staudt, 2018). 

This article presents findings from a study on the EoC among leading Social Practice artists whose work engages communities in discussion, collaboration, and social interaction. The cross-case study analysis of these creative practitioners highlighted findings that include manifestations of EoC, such as acknowledging discomfort, boundaries, and reciprocity. While these components are present in all human interactions, this article advocates for leveraging these findings as key indicators within community arts engagements. These components deepen understanding of EoC and show how to cultivate strategies for collaborative art practices. This article proposes integrating EoC in community art by embracing discomfort, recognizing explicit boundaries, and fostering relational reciprocity to build a sense of belonging within communities.

Keywords: Ethics, Care, Community Art, Collaboration Guidelines

How to Cite:

Aldouby-Efraim, D., (2024) “Ethics of Care in Collaborative Art Practices”, Marilyn Zurmuehlen Working Papers in Art Education 2024(1), 1-23. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/2326-7070.33856