The Swedish Research Council awarded us a limited grant to start a project focused on music in Palestinian society during the 20th Century. The first step in this project was the hosting of a symposium on the topic in Jarash, Jordan, from February 19-21, 2010, in order to initiate a process leading to the publication of an anthology.

The aim of the meeting was to bring together persons interested in writing a research-based essay in the anthology, and persons who have an active interest in the topic. Participants came to the symposium with proposals for research-based essays, existing work that is underway, or previously unpublished research, for discussion. Plans were also put in place for the implementation of research and the publication of an anthology.

The grant given by the Swedish Research council is in the first place aimed at establishing cooperation between Swedish and Palestinian academic institutions (Gothenburg University and Birzeit University). It also encourages us to work with a broader network of international scholars. Besides the official handshaking between institutes, we aim at publicizing the abovementioned anthology.

The project also aims at stimulating and supporting upcoming research projects. The process in forming the anthology will be backed up by intermediate discussions and a final symposium in spring 2011. The project will additionally facilitate an international network of scholars and others who have an interest in Palestinian music, by way of the symposia and through this website, which contains general information for the wider community and interactive features for our researchers.

The directors of the project are Dr. Stig-Magnus Thorsén and Dr. Moslih Kanaaneh. The project co-coordinator is Heather Bursheh.