Mona Damluji writes, studies and teaches about oil cultures, cinema history and the Middle East as an assistant professor at UC Santa Barbara. She is a co-producer of the Peabody and Emmy-nominated web series The Secret Life of Muslims, and has curated exhibits and events around the globe that feature path-breaking art, film, photography, and comics. Mona and her partner live in California with their two hilarious children.
Ishtar Bäcklund Dakhil intertwines her Swedish and Iraqi heritage in her vibrant art. A graduate of Konstfack and California College of the Arts, Ishtar's primary passion lies in the enchanting world of children's books. Her creative exploration of the picture book format has led to innovative ways of engaging readers, incorporating virtual reality techniques for interactive experiences. With a keen focus on the interplay between text and image, Ishtar crafts narratives that resonate with depth and imagination. Her global travels inspire process-based workshops and mural projects, creating spaces for diverse storytelling and collaboration. Rooted in cultural exchange, her artistry reflects a celebration of diversity. She lives in Sweden and Australia.
