Media Release
April 30 2008
A bridge to understanding Islamic culture
A
public symposium on contemporary Islamic culture in Australia to be held
tomorrow at UniSA’s Bob
Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and the
NEXUS Multicultural Arts Centre,
has received an overwhelming response from interested guests looking to
increase their awareness of the variety, colour and culture of modern
Islam.
The full day forum, The Islamic Spectrum in Australia - Building cultural bridges through understanding, is designed to enhance the general knowledge and thinking on the positive influences of contemporary Islamic culture in Australia across a wide range of topics including art, architecture, food, religion, history and music.
Director of the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, Ms Elizabeth Ho, says that she is delighted with the positive response and points to the cultural advantages of such events.
“Those who attend will gain a unique set of insights, from an appreciation of historical, religious and cultural impacts through to the fascinating nature of Islamic arts - this helps to foster intercultural understanding and respect,” she said.
“We will also provide audio transcripts on our website following the symposium for the large numbers who have missed out on a place.”
Key speakers will include Dr Ameer Ali of Murdoch University, Western Australia and former chairman of the Muslim Community Reference Group, UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor, Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, and author of 2 veil or not 2 veil - the life of an Aussie Muslim, Ms Janine Evans.
Dr Ali will feature in a panel discussion, along with Dr Omar Lum, a general practitioner and Chairperson of the Muslim League of South Australia and Dr Waleed Alkhazrajy, who fled Iraq in 1995, spent time in detention and who is now a consultant anaesthetist.
The symposium is sponsored by the Australia Council for the Arts and there will be a representation from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils in attendance.
A halal lunch will also be provided as well as live music entertainment and an exhibition viewing at Nexus Cabaret, Lion Art Centre, City West Campus.
For the full program, abstracts, information on speakers, and post- event transcripts go to: www.hawkecentre.unisa.edu.au
Photo/vision/interview opportunities with presenters:
Available during the lunch period from 12.30-2.00pm.
Contacts for interview
- Elizabeth Ho, Hawke Centre office (08) 8302 0651 mobile 0417 085 585 email elizabeth.ho@unisa.edu.au
- Noris Iannou, NEXUS mobile 0409 092 129
Media contact
- Linda Hein office (08) 8302 0965 mobile 0411 257 029 email linda.hein@unisa.edu.au