Sharing my Palestinian culture with others is a privilege, but it’s not always been easy. Building a new life in Australia has had its challenges, and in many ways, it feels like my journey here is just beginning.
Before arriving in Australia two years ago, I was studying English translation in Palestine. When I came to Australia, I saw it as an opportunity to leverage my bilingual capabilities and explore my passion areas in new ways. Not just because they brought me joy, but also because there was a genuine interest in local industries to tell new stories.
I earned a scholarship to study screen and media at RMIT, and will graduate at the end of this year. Through my studies and work with my community, I’ve seen a growing appetite for the next generation to learn about what is happening around the world, including in Palestine. Simultaneously, there is a growing opportunity for Australian communities to share our stories with young people in ways that keep them engaged in building an inclusive, welcoming, and safe society for all.
Younger generations are curious, and for good reason
Today, I juggle a range of part-time and freelance jobs while keeping up my studies. I design bookmarks and sell them at local markets, I face paint for children at markets and birthday parties, and I’m a graphic designer and children’s book illustrator. I also recently ran a Palestinian Embroidery Elective at River Nile School in Melbourne.
In each of these roles, I hear recurring questions from children and young people about what is happening in Palestine. There’s no simple response to these questions, but it is a regular reminder of the opportunity and responsibility we have to help young people navigate an increasingly complex news cycle. With the recent implementation of the social media ban for under 16’s, children will increasingly be looking for new ways to understand the news.
Using art as a conversation starter
My art has been a door-opener to conversations with people of all ages about what it means to be Palestinian, how our culture has grown and evolved, and how my family and I are rebuilding our lives in Australia. I incorporate it in my bookmarks and when authors request it’s incorporated into their book illustrations. I’m also always happy to oblige children who come to me at parties and proactively ask for a face painting related to my heritage and culture, while peppering me with questions about the art and its origins.
When we first came to Australia, having open conversations with people in our community was life changing. We struggled to understand the local systems and how to get basics like food and transportation. Organisations like the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) stepped in and helped us not just settle in, but have a proper start at a new life here, including helping me navigate the education system to apply for a scholarship. Unfortunately, there are thousands of refugees and new migrants across Australia facing these same struggles and needing urgent support. Without local work experience, it’s hard to land a job. Without an understanding of the local systems and processes, getting accommodation and daily basics can be exhausting.
Much like how conversations with the local community helped my family make our start in Australia, I hope my art helps to open discussions with Australians of all ages about the rich array of cultures in our society. The summer holidays are the perfect time of year to think about what small acts of kindness or ways of welcoming new-comers we could each take to explore curiosities, make each other feel seen and welcome, and encourage the next generation to keep learning.