Natalia Antiqueira - Creative Writer and Conservator

Natalia, born and raised in Brazil, now living in Australia. I'm a Researcher (professionally, academically and personally) for factual production—and a consultant for experiences within our cultural and natural heritage.

I grew up in Piracicaba, Brazil, a place famous for its rapid water river and nurturing place of the 'caipira' Portuguese accent (caipira originates from the Tupi language). In my childhood, I spent some years in Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. Although not much of that culture is on my personal memory, the unique cultural landscape setting has certainly influenced how I value First Nations and natural heritage.

I left Piracicaba for university in Sao Paulo and later took an internship opportunity in London - off to urban landscapes. As any life experience, they changed me but I didn't understand how and why until I continued my studies with a Master in Cultural Heritage, which brought me to Australia. Since 2018, I have crossed this lucky country vast landscape, and I lived in Melbourne, regional Victoria, in a campervan for some months across the Country, in Sydney, and now I have (at last) found a home in the Illawarra region—hence I am grateful to the Dharawal people

The point in introducing myself for the places I have lived is because I believe that the places where we coexist have a significant impact in shaping our story and our legacy. Our connection to place can incite us to nurture for that shared heritage, culture and knowledge. Living along the coast of NSW for example, has nurtured my connection to the ocean and sense of purpose within the mission to promote marine conservation. And I have found that alongside likeminded folks who find meaning in sub-cultures related to the sea. Practices and expressions that are embedded in places provide a common sense of belonging that can open the way for mutual respect and cultural safeguarding.

I have studied, researched and worked in many projects, from dinosaurs to a digital library. My experience varied and productive, although I prefer to call it multicultural. At present, I am working as a as a Researcher (fact check and background) and Archive Producer for documentaries, continuing my interest to tell stories that are ever so powerful in transmitting one's heritage and impacting change. And I work as a Consultant for IUCN—recently assessing the World Heritage Outlook update. I am also a Sessional Lecturer teaching about Intangible Cultural Heritage, IP and FPIC, as well as all matters concerning capturing/documenting cultural heritage (at Deakin University's Master of Cultural Heritage degree and UNSW).

Education

2010 - 2014

BA, SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS AND FILM, FAAP UNIVERSITY

2018 - 2020

MASTER, CULTURAL HERITAGE, DEAKIN UNIVERISTY