Thinking About SWANA Dress Research

Date: August 8, 2026, Saturday
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST
Location: Online, Zoom link will be emailed at 10am EST on event day
Instructor: Wafa Ghnaim
Registration Fee: Sliding scale

Description:

In this one-hour session, Wafa will review the different types of written and illustrative sources available on Syrian and Palestinian dress, as well as the challenges and opportunities they present for preserving cultural heritage. Which sources are colonial, and how might we critically engage with them? Which sources are shaped by capitalist frameworks, and what use can we make of them?

Wafa will also propose citation practices and research methodologies adopted in First Nations art historical research, alongside a new approach to documenting oral history through the Relational Citation System (RCS). Together, participants will consider how to thoughtfully engage with libraries, archives, and publications — as well as learn how to integrate oral histories into written research, gaining insight into the methodologies other Indigenous communities have developed. Wafa will also discuss ethical concerns and boundary implementation strategies with AI that protect descendent communities.

Participants are welcome to bring books, photographs, and archival documentation to include in our final 30 minutes for discussion and collective analysis.

If you are a researcher, student, or writer, and will incorporate this session’s guidance in your future work, please disclose in advance to the instructor. All interest levels are welcome to join.

Authored by Wafa Ghnaim

Image Source: Gustav Bauernfeind (German Orientalist artist). A Street Scene, Damascus. 1887.

What You’ll Receive:

• Live access to the event, which includes the Q&A

• A recording for 7 days after the live session

Important Notes:

• Tickets are nonrefundable.

• This is a live virtual event hosted via Zoom. If you are unable to attend live, you may still register to receive access to the recording.

• Registration closes at 10:00 AM EST on the morning of the lecture.

• Waiting room closes at 12:30 PM EST.

• All participant names should match their registration name.

• A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants at 10am EST on event day.

• The instructor reserves the right to review and decline registrations at her discretion to ensure a respectful and safe learning environment for all participants.

• Camera sharing is required for all attendees.

• Interested in learning something? Share your interest here.