B-Scene

The focus of the pilot study project “B-Scene” is to develop an innovative research design in qualitative visual participatory methods including combination of (i) photovoice; (ii) visual semiotics; and (iii) participatory filmmaking. These methods will be implemented by focusing specifically on residents within French border towns who are not cross-border workers and therefore appear to be disadvantaged vis-à-vis the residents who work in Luxembourg.

The innovative dimension of the project lies in the unique combination of visual participatory and reflexive methods and the involvement of local borderland communities in participatory research. This combined approach not only enhances the richness and depth of the data, but also empowers participants “to step out of the shadow” by giving them a more active role in knowledge production, ultimately leading to more nuanced and contextually grounded insights for an accessible use of innovative visual. By harnessing the inherently visual nature of these methods, the project has the potential to demonstrate how complex social realities can be captured in ways that go beyond textual descriptions, making abstract concepts more tangible and fostering deeper engagement with both participants and research audiences. More specifically, this research will explore how visual participatory methods can shed light on the lived experiences, social inequalities, and spatial dynamics that shape this particular borderland.

The project is funded by the ccEXPAR program at LISER.

B-Scene: Introducing visual participatory methods to LISER community

PI: Kamil Bembnista

Internal collaboration: Carole Blond-Hanten, Christophe Sohn