Arts-based evaluation of the Communities ChooseWell program

Abstract

Arts-based evaluation is an effective and fun way to engage people and uncover meaningful, valid results. In this project, an arts-based approach was used to gain an understanding of the effects the Communities ChooseWell Program has had according to the Champions’ experiences. We wanted to identify what changes, if any, has Communities ChooseWell fostered through the past 10 years? This evaluation was completed using an arts-based approach which allowed us to explore varied long-term effects in different contexts. The creative process allowed for an open approach not predetermining the nature of potential effects. It also gave the participants space to identify what matters the most according to the ChooseWell Champions. This evaluation was in addition to evaluation requirements from the ChooseWell programs funder. In this article we will first present the context of evaluation and state our positionality. We will then present the methodology and methods. Finally, we will present and discuss the results and recommendations.