Co-production and arts-informed inquiry as creative power for knowledge mobilisation

Background: Interest in using arts-informed approaches within research to increase stakeholder engagement is growing; however, there little work describing how these are operationalised across contexts. This article addresses that gap by exploring the use of three projects. Aims and objectives: We explore conceptualising evaluation as creative endeavours, particularly co-production, create opportunities move knowledge into action (knowledge mobilisation). propose an actionable configuration context + mechanism = outcome (CMO) understand influence co-production. Methods: Multi-case design cross-case synthesis was conducted studies used approaches. A common focus our cases evidence K-12 education sector; each engaged with this involving different types sets stakeholders. Findings: Arts-informed co-production were influenced a variety contextual factors such relationships between researchers stakeholders, ethical issues collaborative activities, meaningful engagement, knowledge, capacity-building support resources, communication multi-stakeholder partners. Outcomes included new ways thinking about topics based on approaches, more positive attitudes relevant useful findings, increased openness future co-productive work. Discussion conclusions: Four propositions arising from include: (1) address specificity sensitivity; (2) promote engagement; (3) enhance intertwine skills; (4) broaden impact.