The Fostering Resilience through Audiovisual Media and Engaged Scholarship (FRAMES) Collaboration Space at Western University addresses combines visual social science methods with community collaboration to  confront the climate crisis. FRAMES is a physical space where members in the TEST Lab use participatory methods like photovoice, videovoice, community-based videography, and StoryMaps to centre marginalized voices, particularly land-based communities facing the impacts of climate change. The lab will produce high-quality visual outputs to facilitate knowledge sharing, public engagement, and policy influence. The proposed infrastructure includes recording gear, a media production lab, and data storage solutions to support community-engaged research in diverse global field sites, including Brazil, Indigenous communities in North America, and Portuguese-speaking African countries. Projects span themes like food sovereignty, traditional ecological knowledge, and climate adaptation, fostering reciprocal partnerships and sustainable solutions. FRAMES aligns with Western University's strategic goals of fostering relationships, addressing global challenges, and advancing equitable futures. It also serves as a training ground for students and partners, emphasizing ethical, inclusive practices in visual methodologies. This innovative lab will elevate community-engaged research outputs and strengthen responses to climate and social injustices worldwide. 



What we're building

The FRAMES (Fostering Resilience through Audiovisual Media and Engaged Scholarship) Collaboration Space is a state-of-the-art visual media lab designed to support community-engaged research on climate adaptation, land-based community governance, and just sustainability transitions.

Visual Research Methods

In preparation for the opening of the FRAMES collaboration space, Undergraduate Summer Research Intern PaigeCarlson created infographics for academic researchers and community partners to reference throughout their chosen project.