For my master’s thesis project in art education (2022-2025) I developed a study that explored the concept of hospitality and inviting. I did this by I inviting four participants into my home for three gatherings, each lasting five hours. The invitation to participate was extended to newcomers to Halifax, that is people who had recently moved to Halifax, which I defined as anyone who had lived in Halifax for six years or less and had arrived from another country (international) or another province in Canada (interprovincial). I decided to work with existing relationships; everyone I knew in Halifax, at the time of the study, I had known only for a short period of time.
This investigation took place while cooking and eating together at my home. Thus, it was also an opportunity for participants to learn new cooking skills or tips, to experience being part of a socially engaged art project, and to engage in dialogue. The study asked participants to reflect on their behaviour, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences, and to be open to listen and discuss with other participants how they and others invite new people into their life and create community. We explored and shared experiences and views on family, friendships, and culture.
The project revolved around the overarching question: How do we invite new people into our life in an ever-complex world?
Link to the thesis paper will be made available when it is catalogued in NSCAD’s thesis collection online.