Dissertation
Narrando La Frontera: Arts-Based storytelling and Community Cultural Development with Human Rights Defenders at the US/Mexican Borderlands
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/01089
Abstract
This PhD examines the lived experiences and resilience of human rights defenders working with migrants in the Mexico/US borderlands. Developed from the ‘Mexican Border Human Rights Defenders Storytelling Project’ in partnership with the community organisation Alma Migrante, this research used an arts-based and Community Cultural Development (CCD) approaches to amplify the voices of these frontline advocates. The study focuses on human rights defenders’ narratives as they navigate the significant challenges of their work, advocating for migrants and other marginalised groups affected by migration, violence, and inequality, all while facing considerable personal risk. The research methodology employed a mixed-media approach, including the creation of two public murals and a Photovoice and Photo Elicitation project, and the analysis of a powerful dance performance on forced displacement at the Mexico/US border wall. These methods were specifically chosen by the researcher and Alma Migrante to encourage emotional expression and enable participants to share their stories through visual arts, storytelling, and embodied performance. The analysis is framed by two key theoretical frameworks: emotional geographies, which explores how emotions shape defenders’ connections to their environments, and Gloria Anzaldúa’s concept of Borderland Theory/La Frontera (Anzaldúa 1987) which highlights how hybrid identities are used to navigate cultural complexities and amplify marginalised voices. The findings underscore the transformative power of embodied activism and collective art forms, which integrate spiritual and emotional elements into advocacy. The research approach demonstrates how Community Cultural Development (CCD) methods can empower human rights defenders by evoking emotions, strengthening community bonds, and redefining civic space. Such a process fosters a form of sustainable activism rooted in lived experiences and collaborative support, moving beyond traditional, often emotionally draining, forms of advocacy. By exploring the unique challenges and sustainability strategies of human rights defenders, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between emotions, identity, and activism in their everyday lives. Ultimately, it enhances our understanding of the lived experiences and needs of human rights defenders, highlighting the vital, multifaceted role they play in promoting justice and human rights in the borderlands.
Details
- Title
- Narrando La Frontera: Arts-Based storytelling and Community Cultural Development with Human Rights Defenders at the US/Mexican Borderlands
- Authors
- Faval Copedo - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Contributors
- Harriot Beazley (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research ClusterLeah Barclay (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Indigenous and Transcultural Research CentreTricia King (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Healthy Ageing Research Cluster
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- DOI
- 10.25907/01089
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991252797702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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