“Madinati” Workshop Collective Artwork – photo by Tom Symes
On 26 April 2026, the Minor Works Community Building in Adelaide transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, memory, and cultural expression as the Madinati Art Workshop brought together 20 artists and community members for a deeply engaging artistic experience.
The workshop invited participants to explore a simple yet powerful question: “What is my city?” Guided by artists Ahmed Elkhalidi and Rua Hashlamoun, the session began with quick, thoughtful interactions that encouraged individuals to reflect on their personal connections to place, identity, and belonging. These conversations quickly revealed a shared emotional thread—many participants expressed that their sense of “city” was no longer tied to a single location, but rather a blend of their home country and their adopted city, forming a new, evolving identity.
As the workshop progressed, this reflection took visual form. Participants began recreating cities from memory and imagination, translating feelings into colours, patterns, and textures. Each artwork stood as a unique mosaic piece, the distinct in story, yet connected in theme.
What made the experience particularly powerful was the transition from individual creation to collective expression. At the end of the session, participants brought their works together to form a unified canvas. The result was both striking and symbolic: a shared artwork representing diverse journeys, layered identities, and a collective sense of belonging.
Throughout the workshop, the atmosphere remained warm, reflective, and joyful. Many participants expressed amazement at how their individual pieces contributed to a larger canvas that resonated beyond personal experience into a shared community story.
The Madinati Art Workshop concluded with the unveiling of the collective canvas, a visual celebration of identity, memory, and belonging. More than an art session, the workshop created a space where stories were shared, and emotions were validated, and community was strengthened through creativity.
In a city like Adelaide, where cultures intersect and identities continue to evolve, initiatives like Madinati offer a meaningful reminder: a “city” is not just a place, it is a feeling, a memory, and a shared human experience.
Nomia Khadim, Madinati Project Volunteer (23 March – 30 April 2026)
Event hosted by the Arabic Language & Cultural Association of South Australia (ALCASA)
Proudly supported by City of Adelaide Community Impact Grants
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