IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

In Search of the Desert Truffle, under VCUArts Qatar’s Institute of Creative Research’s (IN)>Tangible Lab, is a multiyear research project focused on the food of the desert. This quasi-mythical truffle, commonly referred to as faqaa in Arabic, is a prized wild fungus found in arid and semi-arid regions, including the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean. This talk will introduce our current research and discuss how visual communication and embodied knowledge, combined with immersive on-site expeditions, rigorous multidisciplinary research, and transformative re-enactments or artistic practices, can inspire both students and the community to engage with intangible cultural heritage and local desert wisdom. The significance of this work lies in its potential to bridge disciplines and communities, creating a robust exchange of knowledge that inspires both scholarly and public engagement. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, In Search of the Desert Truffle highlights the importance of preserving Indigenous wisdom and traditional knowledge, actively involving the local community in these efforts. This participatory approach not only fosters cultural appreciation but also empowers the community to take an active role in safeguarding heritage. Building on the exploration of desert truffles and their ecological significance, this project will also emphasise local linguistic and cultural practices that are vital for preserving cultural identity and the ecological knowledge tied to these unique organisms. By engaging with both Arabic and English, the project seeks to safeguard site-specific language, living culture, and traditional desert food practices, contributing to the activation of heritage and envisioning sustainable heritage futures.