A perspective from practice: Making together, between limitations and possibilities

TY - CHAP

T1 - A perspective from practice

T2 - Making together, between limitations and possibilities

AU - Urie, Alison

N1 - © Bristol University Press 2026, excluding Figure 1.1 © Fergus McNeill 2026 and Figure 12.1 © Alejandro Rubio Arnal 2026

PY - 2026/1/29

Y1 - 2026/1/29

N2 - In theory and in practice, Generative Justice (GJ) stresses the importance of seeking to build community and seek social change with people with experience of the criminal justice system. Through reflection on the practices of Vox Liminis (an arts and community development organization), this chapter critically examines the real-world challenges of implementing GJ principles. Drawing on two case studies – the KIN collective’s immersive theatre project LIMBO and the Distant Voices songwriting-as-research work – the author explores the challenges of realizing collaborative, creative, power-sharing approaches in practice. The analysis reveals significant tensions between idealistic aspirations and practical realities, particularly regarding power dynamics, knowledge production and collective agency. The chapter argues that while collaborative and creative research projects offer profound potential for social transformation, their implementation is fraught with practical and structural limitations. Key challenges include navigating institutional hierarchies, managing risk and maintaining genuine collaboration and partnership across diverse stakeholder groups. Ultimately, this chapter advocates for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the paradox of recognizing existing constraints while maintaining a hopeful imagination that sparks a better future into being. By embracing ‘reflexive solidarity’, those involved in GJ can more authentically pursue collaborative social justice.

AB - In theory and in practice, Generative Justice (GJ) stresses the importance of seeking to build community and seek social change with people with experience of the criminal justice system. Through reflection on the practices of Vox Liminis (an arts and community development organization), this chapter critically examines the real-world challenges of implementing GJ principles. Drawing on two case studies – the KIN collective’s immersive theatre project LIMBO and the Distant Voices songwriting-as-research work – the author explores the challenges of realizing collaborative, creative, power-sharing approaches in practice. The analysis reveals significant tensions between idealistic aspirations and practical realities, particularly regarding power dynamics, knowledge production and collective agency. The chapter argues that while collaborative and creative research projects offer profound potential for social transformation, their implementation is fraught with practical and structural limitations. Key challenges include navigating institutional hierarchies, managing risk and maintaining genuine collaboration and partnership across diverse stakeholder groups. Ultimately, this chapter advocates for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the paradox of recognizing existing constraints while maintaining a hopeful imagination that sparks a better future into being. By embracing ‘reflexive solidarity’, those involved in GJ can more authentically pursue collaborative social justice.

KW - community development

KW - Generative Justice

KW - collaboration

KW - solidarity

KW - paradox

UR - https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/edcollchap/book/9781529245936/ch010.xml

UR - https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/edcollbook/book/9781529245936/9781529245936.xml

U2 - 10.51952/9781529245936.ch010

DO - 10.51952/9781529245936.ch010

M3 - Chapter (peer-reviewed)

SN - 9781529245905

SP - 151

EP - 166

BT - Generative Justice

A2 - McNeill, Fergus

A2 - Corcoran, Mary

A2 - Weaver, Beth

PB - Bristol University Press

CY - Bristol, UK

ER -