From her ceramic sculptures to her time teaching at Birzeit University, Vera Tamari’s work captures the deep ties between culture, resistance, and rootedness. A trailblazer in the Palestinian art scene, Vera was among the first women to exhibit contemporary art in Palestine and has spent decades mentoring new generations of artists. In this conversation, we reflect on the role of women in art and academia, and what it means to reinvent family archives.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on 26th of May, 2025.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

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Relevant links and Resources:

Read more about Vera Tamari and her work
Watch Vera working on Guardians of the Land
Tale of a Tree
Visit Vladimir Tamari’s website
Buy Tamari’s book Returning
Learn more about the Palestinian Museum’s new edition of New Visions
Explore Birzeit University's collections
Learn more about Al-Balalin Troupe

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