Art and Social Change: A Methodological Proposal for Community Social Work

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/cuts.96732
Keywords: Community Social Work, Art, Empowerment, Intervention Methodology, Social Change

Abstract

This study explores the intersection between art and Community Social Work, proposing an innovative methodology based on artistic practices. Through semi-structured interviews with social work professionals in the central region of Portugal, it was analyzed how artistic interventions can promote empowerment and capacity-building among individuals and communities. The results revealed that art, when used from a social perspective, can be an effective tool in addressing issues such as human rights, poverty, and inequality. Four key phases in the intervention were identified: diagnosis, planning, action, and closure. The research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between social workers and artists, as well as the need to consider the socio-cultural context of the participants. This methodological approach provides social workers with a framework to implement art-based interventions, enhancing their ability to promote change and social justice. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for stronger training in artistic practices within social work education and suggests future research directions to validate and expand this methodological proposal in various social intervention contexts.

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Author Biographies

Gabriela Augenstein Silva, Leisure Time Monitor (OTL) at the Community Development Center (CDC) of the Areeiro Parish Council

Graduated in Social Work from Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon in 2018 and earned a master's degree in Social Work from Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon in 2022. She is interested in the community area, children and youth, and art, which are the subjects of her future research. Scientifically, she contributed to a conference presentation in Panama on the topic “Artistic Practice in the Community Development of Social Work: Perspectives and Challenges for Emancipation and Empowerment” in 2024.

A social worker for 6 years with professional experience working with children and youth, she performs functions such as pedagogical and social support, fostering recreational and educational projects, and carrying out tasks that promote physical and emotional well-being. She was responsible for two programs created to support families, which included the analysis of management documents, financial control, and school and parental communication.

Currently, she works at a Community Development Center (in Areeiro), guided by the principles of local and community development. This center aims to promote academic success and civic participation among children and youth aged 6 to 17. In this role, she uses art and creativity as tools to support social change.

Pablo Álvarez-Pérez, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon

Doctor by the University of Huelva (Spain) in the Department of Sociology and Social Work passed with unanimous Cum Laude Distinction, on the theme: Couples and mixed marriages: social and psychosocial aspects of its configuration and development (2015). Official Master’s Degree in Migratory Studies, Development, and Social Intervention (UHU: 2010), after passing the Degree in Social Work with the award to the highest academic record in Spain for its promotion (UHU: 2008).

Has obtained on a competitive basis a four-year predoctoral grant for his studies funded by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (2010-2015). During this period were developed two Research Stays at the Family, Youth and Community Sciences Department of the University of Florida, USA, three-month each (2014 & 2015) to develop a study about the bicultural influence on children of mixed couples. Also, has taught Group Dynamics in Social Work of the 1st level cycle two years at UHU (2014-2015), obtaining the Teaching Quality Award (2014).

 While working at University of Huelva, has participated in a total of three  Research Projects: one R+D (GGI3002IDIP), one classified as of Research Excellence (P09-SEJ-4573), and one for the improvement of professional practice in Social Work (2009/138). All of them funded by governmental entities on a competitive basis. Also, has been hired two times with Research Contracts with public institutions. Currently at ISCTE-IUL, have participated in the following Erasmus+ Capacity Building Projects: Task research and training project in the Field of Higher Education (2018-2021): "Towards increased Awareness, Responsibility and shared Quality in Social Work"; PHILIA: “Protection de l’enface: agir avec le jeune” (2018-2021); Also, one Strategic Partnerships for higher education project called INTERPRO: “les enjeux formatifs de l’interprofessionnalité dans l’intervention sociale” (2019-2022). Lastly, one KA220-HED - Cooperation partnership in higher education called: “Inclusive Higher Education Systems for students with intellectual disabilities (IHES) (2021-2024)”, with the role of local coordinator.

 Nowadays he is a Full-time Social Work Associate Professor (tenure) at ISCTE- University Institute of Lisbon teaching different courses in the bachelor, master, and PhD Social Work programs. He holds the position of Director of the Social Work Master program. He is a Researcher of CIES-UL and Agora Group (UHU). Member of the Migration Research Center (CIM: UHU).

 During his academic and research life (until March 2024) has published fourteen book chapters, thirteen articles in scientific journals of the highest quality according to their indexing type (ISI Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, ESCI), and other eleven articles also in high-quality scientific journals (IN-RECS, ProQuest, Latindex, etc.). Has participated in several pair-review processes for different high-quality journals, such as the British Journal of Social Work, Intercultural Education, International Journal of Intercultural Relations, European Journal of Social Work, and Open Sage. Likewise, has presented several papers at congresses of scientific dissemination at a national and international level.

 His areas of interest are linked to Immigration (Superdiversity, Interculturalism, Mixed Couples, and Cultural Heritage in Children); Social Work Education; Social Exclusion, Human Rights and Social Work; and Digital Social Work.

Maria João Barroso Pena, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon

Assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Policies at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon. PhD in Social Work from ISCTE-IUL (2012); Master's in Sociology from ISCTE-IUL (1997) and Bachelor's in Social Work from the Higher Institute of Social Work in Lisbon (1992). She teaches courses in the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in Social Work. Director of the Doctoral Program in Social Work at ISCTE-IUL. Integrated researcher at CIES. Supervisor of master's dissertations and doctoral theses in Social Work in the areas of professional practices, family, education, and disability, constituting her research interests and publication topics. Member of the ethics committee of the School of Sociology and Public Policy at ISCTE-IUL.

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Published
2026-02-04
How to Cite
Augenstein Silva G., Álvarez-Pérez P. y Barroso Pena M. J. . (2026). Art and Social Change: A Methodological Proposal for Community Social Work. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social, 39(1), 159-182. https://doi.org/10.5209/cuts.96732
Issue
Vol. 39 No. 1 (2026)
Section
Articles

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