Co-Creation as relational relay: Reflections on Navigating Across Protocol, Translation, Time and Space

Abstract

This chapter explores co-creation as a relational relay, drawing insights from the ‘Following the Trade Routes’ project led by the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre in Australia. It examines the challenges and strategies involved in navigating cultural protocols, translation and knowledge systems when linking Indigenous cultural practitioners with historical and contemporary knowledge about cultural trade. Two modes of co-creation are introduced: the ‘relay’ form, which spans time, space and cultural boundaries, and the ‘dance’ form, characterised by direct collaborative engagement. The importance of relational and translational work in making knowledge accessible and usable for current and future generations of cultural practitioners is explored. The Trade Routes project demonstrates various tactics for facilitating knowledge connection, including video interviews with knowledge holders, hybrid in-person/digital workshops and careful attention to cultural protocols. The complexities of translating knowledge across different forms (spoken, recorded, written, archived) and the ongoing nature of collaborative relationships across generations are highlighted. Key insights include the need to consider contexts of knowledge use, the significance of witnessing in cultural exchange and the role of cultural leaders in shaping how knowledge is shared and utilised. The chapter concludes by emphasising the value of both ‘relay’ and ‘dance’ modes of co-creation, advocating for nuanced, context-responsive approaches to collaboration across cultural and disciplinary boundaries. Show more