Community Activism and Creative Practice in Australia: An Interview with Paula Abood

Abstract

In this interview, Paula Abood discusses how her activist work in the community sector is intrinsically tied up with her creative practice. Describing herself as a secular Arab feminist, Abood’s public activism is deeply informed by Spivak’s important question “Can the Subaltern Speak?” Abood acknowledges that “speaking out” is a complicated political act, because it entails speaking on behalf of otherized women who are often silenced and marginalized within Australia. Alongside this interview, a sample of Abood’s creative work is included, which reflects both her theoretical interests and her activist work. Cover image: Jerome Pearce

Keywords

• community activism
• creative practice
• interview
• Paula Abood
• Arab feminist
• Arab Australian