Who is Veronica Pardo?
The older I get, the less I know.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I used to think I had the best job in the world. Then I got another job, and IT was the best job in the world. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’m hard wired to love what I do, when I’m doing it. So, I guess the answer is… nothing.
Who inspires you and why?
So many people. But sometimes I wonder if inspiration is a concept which anaesthetises us to our own inaction. We are inspired by those whose actions feel beyond the reach our capabilities, in order to justify our lack of endeavour. But what if we were our own inspiration?
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Acknowledge that we are not, none of us, bystanders in life. We can rail against injustice, but we must account for our own complicity. Take what we agency we have and use it to make positive change by doing things that are hard, though it may cost us. End of lecture.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Turkey. I travelled there with family and friends a few years ago. As we meandered through the countryside, orchards of quinces to my left, sun glinting off the Mediterranean to my right, I had the feeling that this place was magic.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The toilets on the 35th floor of the Sofitel. Amazing, dizzying view of Melbourne and free.
What are you currently reading?
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge. I’m mulling over the idea that the people who created the systems that broke us think they are going to be the ones who fix us. For god’s sake, let someone else have a turn.
What are you currently listening to?
I live with a musician and two teenage girls. I listen to whatever they’re listening to and in those rare moments when they’re not around, I like to listen to the silence. Go ahead, judge me.
Happiness is?
Sometimes elusive. If you’ve experienced loss, or trauma, it can be hard to find. You have to keep adjusting those mirrors so that you don’t lose sight of it around you.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope sleeping in, in the mornings. I’ve been driving my kids to school for 13 years and I’m sick of it, I tell you.
Veronica is the Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural Arts Victoria – which is presenting Mapping Melbourne 2018: Saturday 1 until Saturday 15 December 2018 at various locations across Melbourne. For more information, visit: www.multiculturalarts.com.au for details.
Image: Veronica Pardo (supplied)