Citadocs: The Relationship Between a Participatory Media Collective and Two Research Projects in the Field of Artistic and Cultural Studies

Conference: The Barcelona Conference on Arts, Media & Culture (BAMC2021)
Title: Citadocs: The Relationship Between a Participatory Media Collective and Two Research Projects in the Field of Artistic and Cultural Studies
Stream: Cultural Studies
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Ana Clara Roberti, University of Porto, Portugal
Helena Santos, University of Porto, Portugal
Daniel Brandão, University of Minho, Portugal

Abstract:

This study discusses the role of the collective Citadocs: Documentaries about, for, and by citizens, in the development and maturity of a scientific research which unfolds in two projects: Fixed in the Transitory (2015) and Island City (2020). Both projects approach the condition and ways of life of rooted, historically stigmatized and socioeconomically vulnerable populations in the city of Porto, Portugal. These projects use ethnographic documentary through image and sound, resulting in audio pieces broadcasted in a community radio, photographic series, exhibitions and films. In the period between both projects Citadocs emerged, precisely, and not by chance, as a collective that uses audiovisual narratives to document communities historically rooted in the city of Porto. This citizen group played a significant role in the critical thinking of the research underway at the time, providing a contact with different people, ideas, opinions and ways of creating, as well as helping to keep up with the accelerated rhythm which the city was changing and leaving a number of communities in it behind. Given the importance of the fieldwork in the highlighted period – intense, immersive, and participatory, with the target population – we are going to present field diaries written with ethnographic records that tracked and discussed how Citadocs' activities contributed to broadening the universe addressed in Fixed in the Transitory and to continuing and deepening it through the Island City. For a deeper analysis, authors such as Edward T. Hall, Bill Nichols, Michael Renov and Jay Ruby will be addressed.

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