Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre presents

No Added Sugar
Engagement and Self-Determination
Australian Muslim Women Artists

The new works come out of the creative hub of Muslim women contemporary artists in Australia, including Asiya Sian Davidson, Crooked Rib Art, Fatima Killeen, Idil Abdullahi, Marwa Charmand, Mehwish Iqbal, Resala Alazzawi and Zeina Iaali, along with the creative writing of Eugenia Flynn.

In 2011 these artists explored their own ideas by sharing creative activities in various community contexts in suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra – in schools, community centres and homes. In 2012 the Artists have created new works for this exhibition.

The works explore personal and collaborative stories, through art installation, printing, drawing, photography, organic material, painting, etching, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, sound and video. The artworks reflect critical questions and self-determined imaginations, grounded in a local sense of place and simultaneously linking with international contemporary cultures.

This significant national arts engagement project opens up spaces for new ways of listening and critical dialogue, aiming to exhibit in other national and international venues after the 2012 season at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.

NO ADDED SUGAR - PUBLIC PROGRAM

FREE PUBLIC EVENTS
EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON 2.00PM to 5.00PM
ALL WELCOME
From Sunday 20 May to Sunday 8 July 2012

Sunday 20 May
Subject and Self… Muslim women writers talk.
A Sydney Writers Festival event.
Can a writer determine her own expression? A diverse panel of Muslim women discusses self-determination and the critical process of writing. Randa Abdel-Fattah, Eugenia Flynn and Nasrin Mahoutchi-Hosaini examine the process of freeing themselves from the stifling expectations often placed upon Muslim women in the arts. Facilitated by Omeima Sukkarieh.

Sunday 27 May
The ‘handing’ down of traditions.
A ‘hands-on’ art workshop for young people with No Added Sugar artist, Zeina Iaali. Make a ‘mould’ of your own hands, embracing and holding your identity and cultural heritage. This workshop is open to high school students. Bookings essential.

Sunday 3 June
Women’s Performance Event
All are welcome to this special theatre event. The afternoon performance programme includes the intense rhythms and percussions of Suara Indonesia Dance, the lyrical creative words of Auburn Poets and Writers Group, and more!

Sunday 10 June
Suara Indonesia Dance Workshop
All are welcome to participate in this workshop focusing on Acehnese body percussion. Learn about the history of sitting dances from Aceh, North Sumatra. Members of Suara Indonesia Dance will share the practice of intricate pattern-making with your hands, accompanied by traditional devotional songs.

Sunday 17 June
Women’s Performance Café
In association with JAAN (Justice and Arts Network).
~A special afternoon for women and girls only~
~ An intimate social gathering with afternoon tea~
Women and girls are invited to share poetry, song and music. Including ‘Open Mic’ for spontaneous participation. All women and girls are welcome. Bookings essential.

Sunday 24 June
No Added Sugar Publication Launch
Come celebrate the launch of the book of the exhibition – a unique Australian publication that is sure to become a collector’s item!

Sunday 1 July
Contemporary Henna Art.
Henna is a beautiful and versatile medium that lends itself to be used in various ways, not only in its traditional role of adorning the body. Join No Added Sugar artist, Idil Abdullahi, as she looks at contemporary ways to extend the use of henna as a medium to other surfaces such as paper and textiles. Bookings essential.

Sunday 8 July
Muslim Women Film Makers.
An afternoon in the theatre with a selection of short films made by local and international Muslim Women filmmakers and creatives.
Note: Sunday 8 July is also the last day of the No Added Sugar exhibition!

All bookings and enquiries for the public program to Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre: reception@casulapowerhouse.com or 9824 1121 or click on the BOOK NOW button below.