yahala yahala yahala…
it’s already 1 september 2007 … ouff!!
okay, so let’s talk about one of my current diversions:
how to develop arab-centred research methods?
on conceptual levels,
as well as in generating reflective questions and discussions with artists about their / our work...
while the 3arabi project specifically has a focus on contemporary arab australian cultures, this central question is simultaneously relevant on local and global levels, for grass roots cultural activism / production, as well as for theoretical work…
i’ll just throw out 3 references that have recently come my way, that may or may not be relevant to my own question:
WAHAD:
earlier this year f.f. and i were on the edges of this critical discussion (somewhere between sydney harbour and up the parramatta river) – he later gave me an article published from beirut at the beginning of this year:
‘The Academic ‘Patras’ of the Arab World: Creating a Climate of Academic Apartheid’
by Ramzi N. Nasser and Kamal Abouchedid, Notre Dame University, Lebanon
in PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies Vol. 4, No. 1 January 2007
ISSN: 1449-2490
http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/ojs/index.php/portal
"This paper discusses factors that are contributing to the rise of what we refer to as an ethos of “academic apartheid” in Arab institutions of higher education. The paper examines the failure of these institutions to overcome their alienation from indigenous epistemology, to emancipate the education they provide from its colonial past, and to move towards the modern information age. The difficult position of Arab academics striving to rediscover, reintegrate and reorganize an epistemological framework to serve the indigenous world is also discussed. Current institutional approaches have deleterious effects on the performance of Arab academics, including arresting the process of transition to development. The paper concludes that Arab academics have a range of choices in determining how to establish a course of corrective action."
ITHNAYN:
in 2005, i’d heard that relatively unique postgraduate work in CCD (community cultural development) was being developed at the VCA (victorian college of the arts) to start in 2006 – so they are now in their second year. through ‘The Centre for Ideas’ you can do postgrad diplomas, masters and doctorates in CCD. [i’ll refrain from reflecting right now on my work experiences since 1980, where acronyms such as CCD did not even exist!?!]
anyway, universities being the corporate animals that they have become, it took me ages to get my hands on some tangible material from down in melbourne (thanks to w.m. and accomplice!). flicking through the 2006 ‘reader’ i came across a reference for this book:
Decolonizing Methodologies
Research and Indigenous Peoples
by Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Zed Books Ltd
1999
and as i am re-learning how to focus (let alone read) again, this is good for my slow-cook appetite. and as she is an Indigenous woman academic from Aotearoa, it’s almost like having someone in the neighbourhood...
THALATA
as i can be old-fashioned in my media-preferences, i was happy to also recently get my hands on a hardcopy of:
BIDOUN (ISSN 15514048)
Summer 2007
Arts and Culture from the Middle East
Issue 11
Published quarterly in New York
www.bidoun.com
"BIDOUN magazine was created as a platform for ideas and an open forum for exchange, dialogue and opinions about arts and culture from the Middle East. BIDOUN's primary goal is to bring together cultural expressions from a vast and nuanced region. BIDOUN also addresses some of the widespread misconceptions about the region and its Diaspora by inciting readers to take a fresh look at the Middle East and its peoples, too often presented as one-dimensional or stagnant."
"BIDOUN means 'without' in both Arabic and Farsi. In our contemporary context, it connotes the statelessness in which many of us find ourselves-sometimes voluntarily, sometimes not."
"BIDOUN is not limited by political boundaries drawn onto maps. Its very essence is the fluidity of geographies and a challenge to the myth of singular and absolute representation. Yet we are cautious with our role as culture broker. While we acknowledge the reductionist tendencies of orientalism, BIDOUN also resists obsessing over cultural difference."
"This is not about being authoritative. Rather, BIDOUN is an experiment: a collection of voices whose sum total aims to engage."
...i like this bit eh:
'While we acknowledge the reductionist tendencies of orientalism, BIDOUN also resists obsessing over cultural difference.'
.... so what do you reckon? ... yallah, it’fadal’ou!
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1 comment:
Dear 3arabs,
As most of you may be aware that in response to the whole CCD and Multicultural Arts restructure / funding / positions, etc, etc. I have proposed an idea to Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and the LMRC, Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre to work together in partnership to allow me to submit a proposal to ARTS NSW and the Australia Council for the Arts to establish a Arab / Australian Social Cultural Producer position (listed below are some on the objectives for the position).
Two applications have been submitted one to Arts NSW and the other to OZCO and we are waiting? If and when this is funded? The program will be a 4 year project with expansion and refunding options; the first year will involve some of what 3arbi project is about, plus an exhibition, a forum and the development of a 3 year strategic plan.
The position / positions will be housed at the LMRC and will be managed be Casula Powerhouse.
So this is good yeah?
The proposal (Cut / Paste from application)
This unique 1 year pilot program has been initiated in partnership between Casula Powerhouse, Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre (funded by the Federal Government through the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs), North West and South Western Sydney cultural institutions and Arab-Australian communities in as part of a long term program vision and strategy.
This program with its focus on social/cultural projects with Arab-Australian communities is the first of its kind in Australia. Partner Organisations have a long history of Arabic production and this project will provide an innovative approach to community, arts and culture in North West and South West Sydney which adds value to the Western Sydney through sustainable partnerships. By entering into an agreement for the Arab-Australian Social/Cultural Producer, this will enable the position to commit towards cultural development of Arab-Australian communities in North West and South West Sydney.
The Social/Cultural Producer will become an important conduit for empowerment, conversation and representation of Arab-Australian cultural groups and communities. It also brings people together so that meaningful, beneficial and legitimate cultural dialogue, practice and exchanges can take place. Without a dedicated Arab-Australian Arts program the development of partnerships and collaborations between Arab-Australian communities and cultural institutions in North West and South West Sydney would be difficult to sustain.
The 1 year pilot period aims to research the Arab-Australian culture to be presented, negotiate models of cultural understanding, and develop a particular form of working with a range of concepts, genres, mediums and formats for a 3 year program plan.
This program also aims to contribute to the development of new arts and cultural activities that are; Western Sydney determined and produced, that empower and support Western Sydney communities, that increase people participation in the arts in Western Sydney, support and nurture the arts industry in Western Sydney through employment and participant opportunities, also encourage and support the needs of an emerging arts industry.
According to the 2001 Census (ABS),(1) There over 1.2 million Arabic speakers in Australia, representing 6% of Australia's total population.(2)There are over 100,000 Arabic speakers in Western Sydney, Representing 7% of total Western Sydney population.
This project within Western Sydney aims to support and contribute to the production of new Arab-Australian projects in cultural and community partnerships which will contribute to a sense of place for the Arab-Australian communities in Western Sydney and will showcase Western Sydney’s rich cultural diversity locally, nationally and internationally.
Project benefits include the following;
• To contribute to the way in which Arab Australians see their culture.
• To contribute to the way in which "multicultural" and “community” arts practice is conceived and practiced in Australia.
• To create work which locates itself as Arab/Arab Australian identity based.
• To provide local and international professional and employment opportunities for emerging and established artist in Western Sydney.
It is envisaged that throughout the first year of the program the position will develop local and international partnerships and support for the 3 year project. These partners will include cultural organisations, institutions and communities.
Project support, consultation and commitment include;
1. Arab-Australian cultural specific communities/organisations/groups such as; Muslim Women Association, Arab Communities Council, NSW Muslim Association.
2. Cultural organisations include; Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Information Cultural Exchange, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Auburn Migrant resource Centre, Auburn Community Development Network and Parramatta Migrant Resource centre.
The media strategy for the project will be the responsibility of Casula Powerhouse Media Officer and the Arab-Australian Social/Cultural officer who will liaise closely to promote and feature developed outcomes within Casula Powerhouse media structure, strategy and framework. Developed outcomes will include extensive public programs, exhibitions, films, performances, seminars, artist talks and education kits which will involve academics, artists, writers, social commentators and local communities.
The project is positioned and relates to Liverpool’s cultural and social commitments through its Cultural Plan 2007, Liverpool Directions and Social Plan 2006-08.
Expected project benefits include;
1. Creation of open avenues for cultural and social productions and presentations.
2. Raise artistic / resource standards through collaboration processes with the proposed position, partners, council and communities.
3. Generate new and diverse audiences by exploring and presenting issues collectively expressed by local artists and communities.
4. Provide local and international employment / dialogue opportunities for local Arab / Australian artists and cultural professionals.
5. Assist in the long term planning and realization a of Arab / Australian Cultural facility.
Khaled Sabsabi
www.peacefender.com
info@peacefender.com
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