This research will explore the development of a transnational Palestinian identity through the medium of contemporary Palestinian music, with particular focus on the Palestinian diaspora. Exploration of this identity will determine whether this transnational identity can impact Israel's relations with the Palestinians and nations in which Palestinians currently reside.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
London
Describe the specific population with whom you will be working.
Social-political movements, such as the divestment campaigns led by Palestinian activists in the diaspora, and these movements links to transnational Palestinian identity, demonstrates the needs to understand the influence of transnational Palestinian music on this community. This research will better define the Palestinian identity and what is means to be Palestinian, as well as how contemporary Palestinian music has influenced this process. Once a better understanding of Palestinian identity is established, a better understanding of their experiences, their needs, desires, hopes and political aspirations as a collective can be recognised. As Palestinian youth become more influential in their societies, their transnational identity will shed insight into their socio-political future.
Who else will be on your team to help implement the project?
I will be working on this project independently.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The results and the process (interviews and personal statements of participants) of the study will be online in blog, vlog, podcast and photo essay format, as well as a possible documentary. Participants will be able to express their transnational identity through social media, vlogging, blogging, podcasts and photo essays.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established or plan to establish that will contribute to the success of the project.
I have been in touch with several scholars such as Ilan Pappe, Mick Dumper, Ephraim Nimni and Jennifer Sinnamon. I have also been in touch with Palestinian musicians and am in the process of getting in touch with different segments of the Palestinian diaspora population.
How many participants do you think will be trained in your project?
It is possible that 50-200 participants will take place.
Describe which technologies, tools, and media you will focus on when training participants.
I will be using social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as different blogging sites. Youtube, vdieo editing and photography will also be utilized.
Describe the facilities where you will hold the workshops.
I will need a laptop, internet connection, access to a printer, and a computer lag fit for 20 participants. I will also need five digital cameras.
What is your current relationship with the community with whom you plan to work? What makes you the most appropriate individual or organization to implement this project?
I have lived in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, USA and the UK. I have made connections with the Palestinian community in all of these places and I continue to expand my Palestinians connections.
What specific challenges do you expect to face when planning and implementing your project?
A challenge that may occur is that participants may fear speaking the truth on camera.
How will you measure and evaluate the project’s impact, specifically: your primary participants, the wider regional community, or the global digital community?
The more participants use the digital mechanisms to express their transnational identity, the more successful the project will be.
If your project were to be selected as a Rising Voices grantee, what would be the general timeline of project activities in 2014?
This researched is expected to take up to three years as follows:
- September 2014 – January 2015 – Preliminary research, survey of literature and interpretive models.
– February 2015 – December 2015 – Fieldwork, interviews and data collection.
– January 2016 – March 2016 – Collate data and assess an interpretive model.
– April 2016 – September 2016 – Development and presentation of preliminary findings and analysis.
– October 2016 – January 2017 – First draft.
– February 2017 – October 2017 – Final write up.
Detail a specific budget of up to $2,500 USD for operating costs.
$2,500 would be used for flights between the U.S., U.K., Jordan and possible other regions in which there is a significant diaspora Palestinian population.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other support can Rising Voices provide for your project to ensure its success?
I am applying for multiple grants and bursaries.
Contact name
Hebatullah Issa
