Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Welcome): Thank You and Celebration

A number of the exhibition participants who were able to attend on 5 May 2023

On Friday, May 5th, the History Trust of SA Migration Museum, and the Arabic Language and Culture Association of SA (ALCASA) hosted a private celebration and museum collection exploration. The event brought together volunteers who contributed to the planning, curation, and production of the “Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Welcome)” exhibition and its launch event.

During the gathering, participants were invited to contemplate how they wished to be represented in the Museum in the coming decades. This led to a thought-provoking discussion that laid the foundation for future ALCASA programs in collaboration with existing and future partners.

To commemorate the exhibition, the event included an exploration of Arabic musical instruments by educator and musician Charlie Yarak, who showcased several musical instruments he frequently plays. No Arabic celebration would be complete without refreshments, and attendees enjoyed light traditional treats provided by the Migration Museum.

Event attendance included:

Migration Museum: Curators Dr Birgit Heilman and Tony Kanellos, also Public Programs Coordinator, Audience & Experience, Whitney Boyd
ALCASA leadership: Chairperson Fayrouz Ajaka, Secretary Hassan Mekawy and Treasurer Roslyn Ramsey
Multicultural Communities Council of SA: Manager, Multicultural Community Connections Program Vicky Arachi
Australian Lebanese Association Incorporated (ALA), Chairperson Raymond Najar
الجالية الاحوازية في استراليا Ahwazian Community In Australia, Deputy Chairperson Samir Yassin
Glimmer of Hope, Chairperson Lama Al Hamouri
The Sudanese Cultural and Social Society of South Australia, President Magdi Eltahir
Torath Arts Group, Dance Instructor and Teacher Rania Daou

The exhibition project is supported by the Government of South Australia through the History Trust of SA Migration Museum and the MCCSA Community Connections Program. The exhibition Thank You event is supported by the Multicultural Affairs, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Fayrouz Ajaka
ALCASA Chairperson

Photos by Razan Fakhouri Photography