"An immediate classic! Authored by the two scholars who have established arts-based inquiry as an important form of inquiry, this new book is foundational to the field. It is based on decades of cutting-edge work by Eisner and Barone who have developed the approach of arts based research to its current status of an acclaimed, richly generative methodology, with a compelling presence in major research conferences and journals. The book deals with such issues as what is (and what is not) arts based research; why do arts based research; who can do arts based research; who the audience can be; how arts based research may be both political and ethical; criteria for assessing arts based research; and the place for theory in arts-based research. The book we have been waiting for years. Beautifully and carefully written, it is a genuine tour de force." ~ Liora Bresler, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Liora Bresler, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

"Eisner and Barone provide a formal explication for arts based research that is both timely and overdue. Their book does an exceptional job of describing the growth of arts based research in the social sciences and education. This work not only encourages researchers to think in new and fresh ways about their work, but it also serves as a primary text to introduce the underlying philosophy and potential contributions of arts based research to a range of professional fields. By cogently arguing for the use of aesthetic forms, Eisner and Barone challenge conventional notions of research. Their book inspires as well as informs."

David Flinders, Indiana University

"The book, written by the two most preeminent scholars in arts based research, is rich with examples of arts based research as well as with analyses of those examples. In this way, Barone and Eisner show rather than tell why those particular studies are important, how they are arts based research and the reasons the researchers engaged in their studies. For beginning scholars, the interwoven theories, purposes and rich examples will help them respond to similar questions about their own arts based research."

Dr. Jean Clandinin, Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development, University of Alberta

A very useful textbook to support students who wish to engage in arts based research

Dr Catherine Horan, Children, Young People and Education, university campus suffolk

I hope to create a course focused on arts based research and if I can offer such a course, I will use this book. I found it most helpful. My current course will include some introduction to arts based research, but not enough to justify requiring the whole text. I plan to make the text available at library reserves and suggest students read certain chapters.

Dr Corrine Glesne, Education, University of Vermont

A text that makes a definitive argument for art based research and justifies our raison d'etre. It is a contemporary and timely book with very useful examples that give the research context. New media and traditional forms are all covered.

Dr Iain Macdonald, School of Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier University

This book is an important resource to inform methods which embrace the inclusion of self in the research. It provides a guide to support critical appraisal of such research designs. Supports the validity of more expressive research methods.

Dr John Struthers, Nursing , DHSS Education and training Centre

I have a master's student in fine arts who is going conducting an Directed study with me and using this book as a foundation for his work.

Dr JoLee Sasakamoose, Faculty of Education, University of Regina

Used as non-required text

Dr Karen Mitchell, Communication Studies Dept, University of Northern Iowa

Arts based methods is not yet introduced in the curriculum. The book will be considered for future project work, as an experiment.

Dr Karin Hannes, Psychology and Education, K.U.Leuven

An excellent compendium on a subject that is still making it's way in to mainstream. The book is well-structured and helps the read understand the different ways in which the arts can be used to faciliate and inform research. I also like the size of the book: big enough to present the array of elements that are found in arts-based research, and short enought to make it accessible for those who are new to the concept.

Dr Kristen Snyder, Quality Management, Mid Sweden University

I will recommend it to my musicology colleagues. It is not aimed at music education specifically.

Dr Liesl Van der Merwe, School of Music, North-West University

Very interesting book, issuing many different aspects concerning art based research. Helpfull to inspire students to do a more creative research project.

Dr Lmm Houweling, Instituut voor Ecologische Pedagogiek, Hogeschool Utrecht

I'm working with students who are engaging a variety of contexts, and in the context of worship and liturgy, this is as close as I've come to a basic research methodology text.

Dr Mary Hess, Leadership Division, Luther Seminary

This book has been enlightening and thought-provoking. I will recommend it to students interested in considering what counts as research and its relationship to the arts.

Dr Pamela Woolner, Education, Newcastle University

This is an excellent text for anyone considering more artistic ways of presenting their data. A particular example is most memorable: the use of poetry to present a participants experience. This is an important text adding to the field of creativity in research.

Dr Rachel Taylor, Children's Nursing, London South Bank University

I was really excited when I came across this book, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a great contribution to the development of arts-based research as a legitimate means of knowledge generation. Well written and accessible, this book will be of value to anyone who is interested in this area.

Dr Rosie Stenhouse, School of Social and Health Sciences, University of Abertay, Dundee

Barone and Eisner have presented an excellent, accessible text that guides the reader through the a consideration of what constitutes arts based research and how it may be employed. They provide a helpful approach to reflecting on some of the realities of contemporary organisations and develop useful frameworks for how the arts based researcher may judge the quality of their efforts. A good foundational text with practical examples for all considering this mode of inquiry.

Dr Steve Marshall, Ashridge Consulting, Ashridge Business School

Very clear analysis of research related matters in the complex area of the arts.

Miss Liana Psarologaki, School of the Arts, Northampton University

This is an excellent text that is very easy to understand; it is clearly written and intersperses the complex theoretical ideas with a series of engaging narratives, that teach the reader both methodologies and sensitive openness in research. My own area is PBR in the applied arts and fine arts; many of the awarenesses generated by the text are transferable to this area.

Mr David Jones, Design and Applied Arts, Wolverhampton University

Very useful for student doing research in Restorative Justice that used art for forgiveness.

Ms Bev Orton, Criminology & Sociological Studies, Hull University

Stimulating read which helps students to tease out relationships between arts and experiencing, arts as a means of discovery and the potential uses of arts based research as a form of social inquiry

Ms Briege Casey, School of Nursing, Dublin City University (DCU)

I am currently using this book with 3rd year Research Methods students. Its a good alternative to other more traditional types of research methods books

Ms Julie Lawrence, Social Work, Salford University

Recommended for those interested in arts based and creative research methods. Covers methods neglected in other research methods texts.

Ms Nisrin AlTabba, Dept of Education, North Lindsey College

good resource for students and researchers considering alternative methods

Professor Aletta Delport, Education , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

This will certainly be used in the programme as we encourage this approach - but not for everyone. The authors are, of course, authoritative, well-established figures in the field

Roger Levy, School of Education, Hertfordshire University