CV, Marcelle Mansour, OAM

on June 9, 2022

AWARDS

* 2023, “Winner”, Global Art Virtuoso: Elite Artist Career Achievement Award Certificate, by Contemporary Art Collectors .

* 2023, “Honarable Mention Award”, ” 8th Figurative”, International Juried Art Competition, Teravarna Gallery, USA.

* 2023, “Winner ” , ” The Art Leaders Protagonists of Art”, Exhibition in Washington, Capital CD Room of the Embassy suites by Hilton Washington DEC Convention Center.

* 2023, “Honarable Mention Award”, ” 8th Open theme”, International Juried Art Competition, Teravarna Gallery, USA.

* 2023, “Winner”, “Harmony for Humanity” Global International Art Prize by The Contemporary Art Curators, Art Book Vol. 1

* 2023, “Finalist”, the 6th Color International Juried Art Competition, Teravarna Art Gallery, California, USA.

* 2023, “WINNER” of “Talent Prize Award” 2023, ” The Author” Portrait of Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees AM” Won the 7th Portrait International Juried Art Completion, International Teravarna Art Gallery, California, USA.

* 2023, “Honarable Mention Award”, ABSTRACT, International Juried Art Exhibition, Teravarna Art Gallery, California, USA.

* 2023, “WINNER” at the 1st Budapest Juried Art Exhibition, the Golden Duck Gallery in collaboration with Teravarna Art Gallery, USA.

* 2023, “Honorable Mention Award”, the 7th Landscape International Juried Art Competition, Teravarna Art Gallery, California, USA.

* 2023, “WINNER” of “Talent Prize Award” 2023, the 7th Opened International Juried Art Completion, International Teravarna Art Gallery, California, USA.

* 2023, “Finalist” in the contest of Artavita online World Wide Art Magazine.

* 2023, “50 Artists to Invest In”, Milan, Italy. Contemporary Celebrity Masters V. II.

* 2023, “International Prize Pegasus for the Arts”, at the Capitulary hall of the Palace of St. Theodore (Great School of St Theodore), Italy.

* 2023, “Top Artists” – The Protagonists of Contemporary Art, at the Capitulary hall of the Palace of St. Theodore ( Great School of St Theodore), Italy.

* 2023, “International Prize Leonardo da Vinci”. Notional Museum of Science and Technology. “Leonardo da Vinci”, Milan, Italy.

* 2023, “Collectors Art Prize”, International Art Award by The Contemporary Art Curators Magazine in collaboration with Contemporary Art Collectors Platform.

* 2023, “Artistic Excellence”, Spotlight Cover Contest, by Circle Foundation for the Arts.

* 2023, “Artist of the Year Competition Award” for “Artistic Excellence”, by Circle Foundation for the Arts.

* 2023, “International Prize Donatello” at the Borghese Palace, Florence, January 2023, Italy.

* 2022, “The Best Modern and Contemporary Artists London Prize”, December 2022, London, United Kingdom.

* 2022, “International Prize Barcelona, “MEAM”, Barcelona, Spain.

* 2022, “Faces of Peace” International Art Award”, by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.

* 2022, “International Prize Paris”, “Art Shopping Carrousel du Louvre”. France

* 2022, International Art Exhibition, The Art Fair at Complex du Louvre, France, published in “Modern Art Masters.”

* 2022, “WINNER” of ATIM Collector’s Choice Award” ArtTour International, New York, NY. USA.

* 2022, “Voices of Tomorrow”, International Art Award, by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.

* 2022, “Top 60 Masters Award”, Art Tour International Magazine, New York, USA.

* 2022, “Luxembourg Art Prize,” “Certificate of Achievement” for High Artistic quality.

* 2021, “Certificate of Excellence”, Circle Foundation for the Arts, Art Review Magazine Contest.

* 2021, “Short Listed “out of 2500 International Artists entries, Visual Art Open, London United Kingdom.

* 2021, “Honourable Mention Award” of Artistic Excellence, All Women International Juried Exhibition.

* 2021,”Honourable Mention Award “of Artistic Excellence, SnapShot International Juried Exhibition.

* 2021, “Certificate of Achievement,” Luxembourg Art Prize, for High Artistic Quality.

* 2017, “Medal of Order of Australia” (OAM) in Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to visual and literary arts and the community, Sydney, Australia.

* 2016, “Presidential Award” by H.E. President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, in recognition and appreciation of her artwork for just peace in Palestine and the globe. Sydney, Australia.

PROFESSION

Multidisciplinary Sydney-based Australian Artist, Painter, Light Artist, Fine Art Photographer, Digital Artist, Poet, Author, Bilingual Writer, Former Journalist Contributor, and Peace Ambassador.

ACADEMIC EDUCATION

2014 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney, Australia.

2012 Master of Studio Arts (MSA), Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney, Australia.

1977 Bachelor of Arts (BA) English Language & Literature, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

CAREER HISTORY INCLUDING ART

Freelance Visual Artist, Community Artist, Bilingual Writer/ Journalist Contributor
Foreign Correspondent, Satellite Television Network, Sydney, Australia.
Radio Programs Presenter, Ethnic Community Media, Sydney, Australia.
Administration Service Officer, Commonwealth Public Service, NSW, Australia.
Administration Service Officer, Private Sector, NSW, Australia.
Airlines Hostess, Kuwait Airways, Kuwait.
School Teacher, Catholic School, Kuwait.

Honours, International Prizes & Awards of Artistic Excellence

2023 Award of the “Star of Art and Market” – Contemporary Celebrity Masters Vol. IV, Teatro Italia.

2023 Award of the “International Prize Michelangelo – The Genius of Italy”, Teatro Italia.

2023 Award of the prestigious annual book “ARTISTI’23”, chosen among 30 selected International Artists, Florence.

2023 Award of “Harmony for Humanity – The Global Consciousness Art Prize” 2023, by Contemporary Art Collectors.

2023 “WINNER” of “Talent Prize Award” 2023, ” The Author” Portrait of Emeritus Professor Stuart Reese AM” Won the 7th

Portrait International Juried Art Completion, International Teravarna Art Gallery, California, USA.

2023 “Honourable Mention Award”, ABSTRACT, International Juried Art Exhibition, Teravarna Gallery, USA.

2023 “WINNER”, the 1st Budapest Juried Art Exhibition, the Golden Duck Gallery with Teravarna Gallery, USA.

2023 “Honourable Mention Award”, the 7th Landscape International Juried Art Competition, Teravarna Gallery, USA.

2023 “WINNER”, of “Talent Prize Award” 2023, the 7th International Juried Art Completion, Teravarna Gallery, USA.

2023 “Finalist” in the contest of Artavita online World Wide Art Magazine.

2023 Award of “50 Artists to Invest In”, Milan, Italy. Contemporary Celebrity Masters Volume II.

2023 Award of “International Prize Pegasus for the Arts”, the Capitulary Hall of the Palace of St. Theodore, Italy.

2023 Award of “Top Artists” – The Protagonists of Contemporary Art, the Capitulary Hall of the Palace of St. Theodore, Italy.

2023 Award of “International Prize Leonardo da Vinci”, Notional Museum of Science & Technology. Milan, Italy.

2023 Award of “Collectors Art Prize”, International Art Award by the Contemporary Art Curators Magazine in collaboration with

Contemporary Art Collectors.

2023 ” Faces of Peace” International Art Prize by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.

2023 “Artistic Excellence”, Spotlight Cover Contest, by Circle Foundation for the Arts.

2023 “Artist of the Year Competition Award” for “Artistic Excellence”, by Circle Foundation for the Arts.

2023 “International Prize Donatello” at the Borghese Palace, Florence, January 2023, Italy.

2022 “The Best Modern and Contemporary Artists London Prize”, December 2022, London, United Kingdom.

2022 “International Prize Barcelona, “MEAM”, Barcelona, Spain.

2022 “Faces of Peace” International Art Award”, by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.

2022 “International Prize Paris”, “Art Shopping Carrousel du Louvre”. France.

2022 “Modern Art Masters” International Art Exhibition, The Art Fair at Complex du Louvre, France.

2022 “WINNER” of ATIM Collector’s Choice Award” ArtTour International, New York, NY. USA.

2022 “Voices of Tomorrow”, International Art Award, by Contemporary Art Curator Magazine. ,

2022 “Top 60 Masters Award”, Art Tour International Magazine, New York, USA.

2022 “Luxembourg Art Prize,” “Certificate of Achievement” for High Artistic quality.

2021 “Certificate of Excellence”, Circle Foundation for the Arts, Art Review Magazine Contest.

2021 “Short Listed “out of 2500 International Artists entries, Visual Art Open, London United Kingdom.

2021 “Hounarable Mention Award” of Artistic Excellence, All Women International Juried Exhibition.

2021 “Honourable Mention Award “of Artistic Excellence, SnapShot International Juried Exhibition.

2021 “Certificate of Achievement,” Luxembourg Art Prize, for High Artistic Quality.

2017 “Medal of Order of Australia” (OAM) in Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to visual and literary arts and the

community, Sydney, Australia.

2016 “Presidential Award” by H.E. President of the State of Palestine, in recognition of art exhibition JUST PEACE.

2015 Nominated for the 2016 Australian of the Year Award, in the Australia’s Local Hero, Sydney, Australia

2015 Nominated for a 2015 Pride of Australia Medal in the Fair Go medal category, Sydney, Australia

2015 “Ambassador of Peace” Award, Universal Peace, UN International Year of Light (IYL), Sydney, Australia

1993 “WINNER” Juried Prize for the “International Women’s Day” of a Poster Design competition, Sydney, Australia

1993 “Commended” Painting, Arts of Sydney, Combined Arts Societies, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

1988 “WINNER” the Prize for Bicentenary An-Nahar Australian Literary Newspaper Competition, Sydney, Australia

GROUP ART EXHIBITIONS (selected)

2023 “Times Square” Huge Screen Showcase , New York by ArtSpace Innovations of London, New York, USA.

2023 “SERENITY” Virtual Art Exhibition at the Holy Art Gallery, Selected International Artists, London , UK , Jun 19.

2023 1st Budapest International Juried Art Exhibition, at Golden Duck Gallery, Budapest in collaboration with Teravarna Art Gallery, USA

2023 ARTISTI ’23 , International Art Exhibition with presentation of Contemporary Art Yearbook, at, Ximenes Panciatichi Palace, Florence. Italy.

2023 The 7th Landscape International Juried Art Competition, Exhibition at Teravarna Art Gallery, USA.

2023 “Home” Virtual Group Exhibition at HMVC Gallery , New York, USA.

2023 The 7th Opened International Juried Art Competition, Exhibition , Teravarna Art gallery, USA.

2023 “FACES OF PEACE”, Online International Art Exhibition, by the Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.

2022 UTOPIA International Art Exhibition, Athens, Greece

2022 SEGNALATI London, International Art Exhibition, Espacio Gallery, London, United Kingdom

2022 International Prize Barcelona, “MEAM” (European Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona), Spain

2022 International Prize Paris, “Art Shopping Carrousel du Louvre”, France, & Art Gallery in Maraise- Paris

2022 Modern Art Masters in Complex du Louvre Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France.

2021 Scope, Miami Beach, Exposure, United Sates

2021 XIII Florence Biennale, major contemporary art and design exhibition, Florence, Italy

2021 Visual Art Open (VAO) International Art Exhibition, London, United Kingdom

2021 VAA International Online Art Exhibition 2021, London, United Kingdom

2021 SnapShot International Online Juried Art Exhibition. J. Mane Gallery

2021 3rd All Women International Online Juried Art Exhibition. J. Mane Gallery

2020 Art in Transition 2020, SeeMe, International Art Show, New York City, United States

2020 Art Takes Armory 2020, “She Persisted”, NYC, United States

2019 Contemporary Venice 2019, Itsliquid , The Room Contemporary Art Space, Italy

2019 ChaShaMa Gala, Manhattan, OneSelf, New York City, United States

2019 Affordable Art Fair, Her Story, Metropolitan Pavilion, Chelsea, NYC, United States

2018 Art Takes Soho, Digital Art, Volume 2, Social Channels, NYC, United States

2018 Lens Culture Art Photography Awards 2018 (Fine Arts Series), Editors’ Pick, NYC, USA

2018 PDN Curator Awards, Eight Annual Exposure Award, NYC, United States

2018 The Eight Annual Exposure Award, SeeM, New York City, United States

2018 21st Biennale of Sydney 2018, Superposition, Equilibrium & Engagement, Sydney, Aus

2017 The Manhattan Art Fair for Frieze Art Week, Chelsea, New York City, United States

2015 Louvre Museum, Fifth Annual Exposure Photography Award, Louvre, Paris, France

2014 Year in Review 2013 Competition Group Show, Armory Week, New York City, USA

2013 Mixed Media, Art Moment Gallery, Bondi Beach, Australia

2011 Elemental, Light in Spiritual Monochrome, Delmar Gallery, Ashfield, Australia

1998 Arabmade, group exhibition, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Liverpool, Australia

1997 International Women’s Day, the Atrium, Gallery, ABC Ultimo Centre, Australia

1993 On the Other Hand, S.H. Ervin Gallery, works auctioned by Sotheby, The Rocks

1993 Women’s Strength, International Women’s Day, Tin Sheds Gallery, Sydney University

1993 The Arts of Sydney, Combined Arts Societies, Sydney Opera House, Australia

PREVIOUS SOLO ART EXHIBITIONS / Artist Talks / Poetry Performance / Seminars (selected)

2017 Discover the Power of Super Consciousness, the Corner Gallery, Stanmore, Australia

2016 Treasure Forever, Portraits, International Day of Tolerance, Art Space, Chatswood

2016 Instrument for Just Peace, Exhibition and Seminar, Parliament of New South Wales

2015 Art, Light and World Peace, UN International Year of Light (IYL), Parliament of NSW

2014 Threshold, Mary MacKillop Museum, UN International Year of Light (IYL), North Sydney

2014 Threshold, Bankstown Arts Centre

1998 Shifting Waves, art exhibition of Australia Portraits and book launch, NSW Parliament

1997 Images of Wisdom, Australian Museum, Art Exhibition of illustrated Sayings, Sydney

VARIOUS COMMISSIONS /Gifts (selected)

1998-2016 Portraits for Various Australian prominent personalities, NSW, Australia

Past – Present Book cover design and illustrations for Australian Arabic Speaking authors

1997 Painting, Liverpool Hospital Arts Program, CCU Unit, NSW, Australia

1997 Mural, Australian Palestinian Club (APC), 4×3 metre, Wall painting, Sydney

1995 Artwork Design, Cardiovascular Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW

1994 Street Sense, RTA Road Safety Calendar Artwork. International Year of family

1986 The Crown of Jesus, painting holy icon for St George Antiochian Cathedral, Redfern

AUSTRALIAN ARABIC COMMUINTIES AWARDS, APPRECIATION & MEDALS

Over the years, Marcelle Mansour received many Community awards, certificates of appreciation and medals from various Australian Arabic speaking community organizations of arts and cultural heritage.
1995, Marcelle received the ‘Gibran Khalil Gibran’s Medal’ on behalf of the renowned Vocalist, Fairouz, in Lebanon.
1996, awarded the ‘Role Model’ acknowledgement by Universal Women for the ethnic communities on cultural aspects.

COLLETIONS

St George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, Redfern, NSW
Liverpool Hospital, CCU Unit, Liverpool, NSW
Embassy of the State of Palestine, Canberra
Oceania Peace Embassy, UPF, Chippendale, NSW
Ethnic Communications (ETCOM), NSW.
Avicenum, A professional clinical psychology, NSW
Australian Medical Council for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Ghossayn Group, Chipping Norton, NSW.
Al Mustqbal (The Future) Australian Lebanese and Arabic Newspaper, NSW
Viscona Pty Ltd – Engineering Consultants & Services, NSW.
Transways Group Australia, NSW Association.

PUBLIC SPEAKER

Guest Speaker in various occasions of Artistic, Literal, Poetic and Cultural events.

MEDIA

Featured in Australian English and Arabic Media including Books, Press Release, Newspapers, Magazines, Radio and SBS T.V. (English)
Featured in International Art Print Magazines, books and volumes, including British Vogue in London 2022, Contemporary Celebrity Masters 2023 and Artisti’23 in Florence, Modern Art Masters 2022 in Complex de Louvre, Top 60 Masters 2022 in New York, and International Contemporary Masters 2023 in Canada.
Featured in Online Virtual Galleries including Saatchi Art, Its liquid, SeeMe, Bluethumb, Artavita, Teravarna, Circle Foundation, and Contemporary Art Curator.

PUBLICATIONS

2014 – Published Thesis of Research Paper and Creative Artwork, The University of Sydney. (MFA), online published.

1998 – Published Shifting Waves book, ISBN 0 646 35929 0 in English including sections of Paintings, Poetry and Biographies.

1998 – Present – Published bilingual Literary /Analytical and Journalistic works in Print and Online media.

PROFESSIONAL ART ASSOCIATIONS

National Association for Visual Arts (NAVA)

Prof. Philip Salem’s Talk in Sydney “The Meaning of Suffering”

on March 5, 2018

Prof. Philip Salem spoke at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Sydney.

By Marcelle Mansour OAM

Prof. Philip Salem spoke at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Sydney.

During his short visit to Sydney in Australia, The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand organized a seminar, held by Prof. Philip Salem on Friday the 2nd of March, 2018. at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Punchbowl, in the presence of the Primate, Archimandrite Basilios (Kodseie), Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania Diocese, And a number of bishops and priests, government officials, professionals, physicals, media, and community representatives.

The topic was about “The Meaning of Suffering “where Prof Salem spoke about the meaning of suffering and understanding pain through faith. He talked about his experience in the research and the treatment of cancer and medicine, as well as religion, family values, ethics and the significant roles of technology in our present digital age and other related topics. Prof Salem expressed his concern about future values such as love, nobility, compassion which computer cannot serve. He warned his audience about technology; in his own words” There is nothing better than simple values which serve humanity… we should use technology to our advantage and should not let technology rules us.”

Dr. Philip A. Salem is a physician, researcher, educator and international statesman in cancer medicine and he is a recipient of many awards from all over the world for his contributions to cancer research. In the last 15 years, he was selected annually in the editions of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly.

Prof Philip Salem was invited to Australia by the Council of Bishops and representatives of the Council of Eastern Churches in Australia and New Zealand where he was warmly welcomed by various community churches and organizations who all shared the celebration of the milestone of his 50^th work Anniversary in the field of oncology since joining the world of medicine and research.

The event presenter described Prof Philip Salem as” highly prestigious personality, hardworking, honest, humble, happy in doing his job and has a sense of humor.”

It was an honor and a privilege to attend this seminar, in particular, to listen to Prof Philip Salem’s brilliant talk that has enriched us all.

The National Conference of the Palestinian Campaign for the Boycott of Israel at the University of Sydney

on August 2, 2017

By Marcelle Mansour

The Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney and Sydney University Staff for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) held a National Conference titled “Driving Global Justice for Palestine”) on Friday and Saturday 28-29 July 2017 at the University of Sydney Australia. The conference was supported by a number of associations: The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network; the Palestine Support Network Australia; Friends of Palestine WA; Justice for Palestine Brisbane; the Australian Friends of Palestine Association (SA), Australian Palestinian Professionals Association; The General Union of Palestinian Workers, the Australian Palestinian Club; the Coalition against Israel Apartheid Melbourne; the Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine; the Palestine Action Group Sydney;

A large number of active academics and researchers participated in the two-day conference, in which 32 research papers were presented, along with discussions and follow-up, all aimed at urging driving international attention towards achieving a just peace in Palestine.

Some of the local Australian academic speakers were Emirates Professor Stuart Rees AM, Dr. Ahmad Shboul Am, Professor Bassam Dally, Dr. Peter Slezak, Dr. Nick Riemer, Dr. Marcello Svirsky, Dr. Jake Lynch, Dr. Nigel Parsons, Jessica Morrison, Cathy Peters, Vivienne Prozsolt.

The Australian keynote speakers were Dr. Yousef Munayyer- Executive Director US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Samah Sabawi – author, playwright and political commentator and Professor Ghassan Hage -Future Generation Professor of Anthropology and Social Theory, University of Melbourne. Various Sessions covered important topics such as freedom of speech. Zionism, Anti-Semitism, Justice, Palestine, Unions and Politics and others

According to the Guardian newspaper: “On the following day, Sunday the 30^th of July, former foreign affairs minister Bob Carr delivered a speech to the NSW state Labor conference, calling on the party to recognise Palestine. The motion carried by delegates in Sydney on Sunday night affirmed the two-state solution, and it recognised Israel and Palestine’s right to exist “within secure and recognised borders” before urging the next Labor government to recognise Palestine. The references to the two-state solution and the right to exist secure state borders were added during backroom negotiations in the lead-up to the vote.”

Commemoration of 68th of Al Nakba and Celebration of Australian Palestinian Graduates

on May 18, 2016

By Marcelle Mansour

The Australian Palestinian Community Commemorated the 68^th Anniversary of Al Nakba, together with the Celebration of the 2015 Australian Palestinian Graduates.

The General Union of Palestinian Workers and Australian Palestinian Graduates Association held a Ceremony in honor of the Palestinian University Graduates and the HSC Achievers in 2015, under the patronage of H.E.Dr. Izzat Abdul Hadi, the Ambassador of Palestine to the Commonwealth of Australia. On Sunday, 15 May 2016 in Candle Light Reception Lounge. The event also coincided with the date of commemoration the 68^th Anniversary of AL Nakba meaning catastrophe.

Distinguished guests attended: Julia Finn MP -Australian Labour Party Member for Granville NSW, Lee Rhiannon MP – The Australian Greens Senator for NSW, Mr Jihad Dib MP- Parliament of NSW -Shadow Minister for Education, Mr Paul Lynch MP – Parliament of NSW Member of the Legislative Assembly Member for Liverpool Shadow Attorney General Member of the Australian Labor Party, Mayor Khal Asfour – Clr of Bankstown City Council, Associate Professor Jake Lynch – Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney, Prof Peter Manning Professor of Journalism, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed – Grand Mufti of Australia, the Secretary General of Fatah Abdul Kader Karanouh, and expert of Australian Palestinian Affairs Eddie Zananiri, Artists and Academics, Various Cultural and Islamic Associations and Political Parties Presidents, Media Representatives and a crowd of families and friends.

The ceremony began by playing the two national anthems of Australia and Palestine. Followed by welcoming the attendees with an introduction and a poem about Palestine recited by student Rola Alian, then a video displayed a brief history of occupied Palestine.

The function was highlighted by a creative piece of performance titled “Al Nakba Suitcase “and was acted by Saleh Saqqaf (Broadcaster and Actor) on the sound of Oud music played by the MC. Mr. Jamal Alyan.

Speeches delivered as follows:

Abdul Hadi, Ambassador: In his speech H.E. stated: ” Al-Nakba marks all our lives and it remains with us”. Palestinians always remember the sad expel of their homeland and it remains with them until justice and freedom will take place. These wonderful young achievers are the future of the Australian-Palestinian community spanning the globe who will transform loss into a victory.

Mr. Monir Mahajinah delivered a political speech in Arabic, in his own words: “Tonight, we are not here to celebrate Al Nakba, rather commemorate Al Nakba and raise flags and slogans. Three strategies are required: firstly, is Unity, secondly to strengthen the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on the ground, such as education and other things, and thirdly, resistance to the new generations. We cannot achieve independence, without our will and persistence and, embracing the Holy Stone.”

Lee Rhiannon MP who has visited Palestine and has seen the refugee camps said the Nakba day is a sad day to Palestinian people who were taken away from their home. But time has come to achieve justice, and the 21^st century will witness that Palestinians will return to their land, “especially here we are celebrating the success of new generation, your voice of Palestine will act as a challenge, it is about the commitment of people working together.” She said.

Paul Lynch MP: expressed his support to the Palestinian Community on Al-Nakba Day commemoration of Palestinian exodus forcibly displaced from their homeland in1948 and their right of return to justice and ending occupation. He also praised the high achievement of a young generation.

Jihad Dib MP: “There is a lot of connection between Aboriginals and Palestinians… Israel built the wall, but would not kill the spirit of Palestinian People… The fight of Palestine is the fight of what is right to return the land that was taken away from them… It is an honour to celebrate the achievements of young Australian Palestinians… Live Australia and Live Palestine.”

Jack Lynch: who has been a Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney stated that the process is about the continuation of academic research. He praised the Palestinian graduates who came from Gaza and have excelled in every unit. Lynch was proud to see the very first graduate of Master Degree (Mr. Shamik Badra) from Gaza on scholarship and he mentioned that the university will support more students from Gaza in the near future.

The event concluded by delivering appreciation awards to the Parliamentary members for their continuous support to the Palestinian cause: Julia Finn MP, Jihad Dib MP, Paul Lynch MP. As well as members of the Palestinian community where the Ambassador Dr. Izzat Abdul Hadi presented a shield – on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) – to The General Union of Palestinian Workers in Australia, for their tireless work of serving the Community. The shield was received by President Ibrahim Ishan, followed by Palestinian community members who received appreciation awards were: Lama Hammouri, Ibrahim Ishan, Khader Sultan, Mahmoud Sultan, Akeel Sultan, George Dabbagh, Mr. Eddie Zananiri, Maher Morqabala, Ahmad Qasim for Council of Australian Palestinians. The Ambassador of Palestine Dr. Izzat Abdulhadi also delivered achievement awards to 53 Palestine graduates of HSC, Master, and Ph.D.

نضال المرأة المهاجرة في أستراليا ، بقلم مارسيل منصور، النهار، 1989

on January 17, 2016

The Struggle of Migrant Women in Australia, by Marcelle Mansour , An-Nahar , 1989

قامت صحيفة النهار، في العاشر من أغسطس 1989 بنشر دراسة مارسيل منصور عن نضال المرأة في أستراليا التي فازت بالمرتبة الثانية في جائزة “النهار” الأدبية لأفضل بحث يتعلق باستراليا

1989, Aug 10: “AN-Nahar “ newspaper began on the tenth of August 1989 publishing a weekly series of Marcelle Mansour’s study and research on the topic of “The Struggle of Women in Australia”, which won the second place in “An-Nahar” Literary Competition Award for the best research related to Australia In the 1988 Australian Bicentenary.

An Afternoon with George Gittoes At the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies

on November 14, 2015

By Marcelle Mansour

On Thursday 12^th November 2015, I was fortunate to be invited by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) to attend the event of “An Afternoon with George Gittoes”, which was held at the CPACS Centre at the University of Sydney.

George Gittoes AM is a distinguished Australian and International Visual Artist of War and Peace, Photojournalist and Film Maker, who has been awarded the 2015 Sydney Peace Prize on Tuesday 10 November at Sydney Town Hall. “Australia’s only international peace award, “for exposing injustice for more than 45 years as a humanist artist, activist and filmmaker; for his courage to witness and confront violence in the war zones of the world; for enlisting the arts to subdue aggression and for enlivening the creative spirit to promote tolerance, respect and peace with justice.” The 2015 Sydney Peace Prize Jury’s citation stated. “The Jury felt his unique approach to peacebuilding and social justice should be recognised and applauded.”

The Master of Ceremony was performed by Mr. Mujib Obid. George Gittoes gave an interesting talk about his journey as the war and peace artist. He started his talk holding his Angel of Peace puppet, and then he spoke about the conception and the significance of his art and the conflict with a brutality that has shaped his work. Particularly in Jalalabad, in eastern Afghanistan where Gittoes has survived war, death threats and a pet monkey where he has established the Yellow House Jalalabad (YHJ).

George Gittoes said: “Art proved that creative people create things rather than destroy stuff. So all my life I’ve been going to war zones. I saw the destruction of Baghdad, I’ve seen the destruction of Gaza and all this destruction through war and for me it’s been enough just to create in the face of it, to be making stuff.”

George’s speech was followed by Q & A with the help of his wonderful partner, Helen Rose, a talented singer, and actress from Sydney, who shared George answering some of Q & A dialogue with the audience.

In my turn, I made a short spontaneous unwritten speech and a poem about my experience of special friendship with the artist George Gittoes over the years, and the following is graphically what I said:

“Good afternoon everyone: I feel privileged the day that I am invited to meet the great Artist George Gittoes together with his partner the amazing Vocalist and Performer Artist Helen Rose. I would like to thank the Committee Members of (CPACS): Dr. Wendy Lambourne-Deputy Director and Post Graduate Research, Dr. Ken Macnab-President Council, Juliet Bennett-Executive Officer, Katie Pokorney-Acting Executive Officer; for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.

I have known the amazing Artist George Gittoes since the late 1980s and early1990s when I was a regular contributor to the An-Nahar Australian Arabic newspaper as a journalist and a weekly communist. When I came across his name in the English newspaper, I visited his art exhibition where I first met him and I wrote about him and introduced his arts to the Arabic speaking communities. I still remember his incredible art exhibition titled “The Realism of Peace“at S. H. Ervin Museum and Art Gallery in 1996 where I accompanied a group of Australian Lebanese and Palestinian community members to view his artworks and to listen to his marvellous talk, where we realized that Gittoes witnessed war conflicts and destruction in Rwanda, Somalia, Cambodia, Bosnia, Congo, Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza/ Palestine and other countries.

At that time we both displayed in a group exhibition at Barry Stern Gallery, Paddington. Then I invited the Artist George Gittoes to the Australian Palestinian Club where he commended my community artworks of the Past, Present and Future triptych that depicts the story of the Palestinian cause, 48′ Nakba and Diaspora. In 1998 I had a nicely written article about my work, titled “Paintings from the Heart”, by the Art Historian and Critic G. Dalton, in my book of Shifting Waves p5. In 2002 George Gittoes headed to Gaza my birthplace where he was embraced by my relatives who coincidently were the point of connection.”

Then I said: “George Gittoes is totally a complete hero, he was exposed to death and threats all his life. I know for sure that he has a strong faith, where he always creates artistic Guardian Angel moppets; and there is no doubt that God amazingly protects him from all harms.”

“Last year I attended George Gittoes Art Exhibition of ‘Vincent and the Snow Monkey’ and his book launch titled ‘George Gittoes I Witness’ on 31 Jul 2014 at the Art Equity Gallery where he signed for me his unforgettable words “Peace and Freedom for Palestine”.”

“The Palestinians are still living under the horror and terror of the Israeli occupation for 67 years and the peace process’ failure is persisting for 21 years with only bloodshed and hatred from both sides which offer no logical resolution in ending the occupation and war or making peace with justice. The United Nations designated 2014 to be the ‘International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.’ 193-nation body had expressed the hope that, by now, the State of Palestine would be a sovereign and independent Member State of the UN. The majority of the world is on the side of justice with Palestinians, but not “power of veto” nations. Israeli Ministers are totally and permanently against a Palestinian State. This rejection does not count as ‘Justice’ or “Human Rights’. I had my ‘Threshold’ art exhibition and seminar of light and perception last week at the Parliament of NSW, and I explained how we creative artists highlight the notions of humanity, freedom, peace, and justice in our work so that we may lay the foundation for modern critical political thought by working on changing the mentality of politicians who lead the world nations so that they may cross the threshold of transformation towards recreating the reality of our world.”

Therefore, George Gittoes’ words are just perfect of what we want to happen: “Peace and Freedom for Palestine.” Today I would like to congratulate the artist George Gittoes on receiving the 2015 Sydney Peace Prize and to present him with the portrait I have painted of him that is accompanied with my poem. This is my tribute to the amazing artist George Gittoes.” as follows:

A Cry Out for

“Peace and Freedom for Palestine”

These unforgettable glorious words

Are so precious and worthy to be voiced

To be heard by all the leaders of the world

What the Australian Artist George Gittoes wrote

When he signed his book for me with his heart of gold

‘George Gittoes I Witness

The extraordinary Artist of Peace and Anti-War

Who documented the history and revealed the truth

Wishing Peace and Freedom for Palestine and All

Marcelle Mansour, Thursday 12 November 2015

At the end I spontaneously pulled a ‘Kofeyye’ Palestinian scarf out of my handbag and proudly put it on around George’s neck, reading what it says: ‘Return to Jerusalem.’ Coincidently my tiny hairbrush hooked with the scarf and George humorously asked me to comb the knots on his hair which I pretend doing it. George Gittoes certainly has a great sense of humor that makes him survives the brutality of a war he witnesses around the world. George said he will be hopefully heading to Palestine very soon.

The event ended with gathering for refreshments and drink, socializing and networking. It was a good afternoon with a wonderful insight into an amazing creative world of peace.