Thuraya Shlebak

A Mini-Magazine celebrating culture and diversity in the Arts.

Promotes the importance of equal cultural representation in the Arts sector.

A short publication celebrating North African, Middle Eastern and South West Asian voices, through the sharing of art and culture; from homeland to the diaspora. Is it too palatable to a Western audience, and is it ignoring indigenous narratives? The problem is that it can’t cover all bases in the first issue mock-up. The prime focus has been the connecting of the participants experiences to the experiences of mine. By addressing cultural authenticity and cultural ownership for Arabs and South West Asians post-colonial rule, via the use of interviews and features. Allow a safe space for features to express their identity, without being subjected to adopt orientalist made stereotypes.

“During the process of putting together the participants, I used research method, reflexive dyadic interviewing. Inspired by a written source from Pranee Liamputtong, titled ‘Doing cross cultural research, ethical and methodological perspectives’.

This interviewing style became appropriate in further perpetuating authenticity. The publication is a space not only for my own expression but for others whose stories resonate. Creating a sense of friendship through storytelling/ sharing were a fundamental part of the process.”