This paper provides insights into an arts-based participatory action research (PAR) project led by sex workers in Vancouver, BC. Sex workers have long advocated for community-driven, participatory approaches in producing meaningful, action-oriented research. At the same time, sex work activists have a strong history of incorporating art into their advocacy. However, there are limited examples of arts-based approaches to PAR done in collaboration with sex workers, and fewer published reflections directly from participants and community members. It is important to continually critique research methods, including PAR, and share emerging best practices. This paper details our involvement in an arts-based PAR project spanning five years, as part of, and in collaboration with, a diverse community of sex workers. We reflect on what the project has taught us about the use of arts-based methods, collaborative decision making, and challenging paternalism in research. From our reflections, we hope to offer both practical and epistemological considerations for future research and community collaborations.
Pearson et al. (Mon,) studied this question.