Recipient of the 2010 Ros Bower Award (Australia Council), Alissar has been involved in community arts and cultural development work for over 30 years.
Since 1990 her focus has been Arab Australian cultures, through her work in community theatre, cultural heritage and contemporary representations. During 2006-08 implemented a research project (an interactive mapping of contemporary Arab Australian cultural production) with support of a Community Cultural Development Board Fellowship from Australia Council for the Arts.
She is well known for her work on the Wattan Project at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, which provided Arab communities a sense of cultural engagement and self-representation in a major cultural institution. This project redefined the concept of ‘outreach’ and ‘curation’ at the museum.
Alissar's support of the Auburn Poets and Writers Group and the Auburn Art of Arabic Calligraphy Group was crucial to the success of these acclaimed initiatives. Alissar’s commitment to passing on her knowledge has ensured that the next generation of cultural workers are equipped to create work with communities that speak to their specific concerns and dreams.
IMAGES
2. Alissar (in the red boots) with the Auburn Poets Writers Group at Sydney Writers Festival 2008
3. Alissar guiding students through the Moving Calligraphy Project at Mori Gallery 2010
4. Alissar performing as part of Pipi Storm 1983.