Madinati Interactive Workshop Participants and Their Collaborative Artwork, 26 April 2026, Photo Credit Tom Symes
From 17 April to 14 June 2026, the Arabic Language and Culture Association of South Australia (ALCASA) hosted a visual arts project in collaboration with SA Arabic-speaking artists Ahmed Elkhalidi and Rua Hashlamoun. The project, Madinati (My city): Every Story Shapes Our City, aimed to bring the community together to reflect on personal belonging experiences about the cities we live in.
Madinati (My City) began with an exhibition of three artworks by the artists: two large canvases and one video. Inspired by the exhibition, a collective artwork was produced through two interactive workshops facilitated by the artists.
In their intricate paintings, Ahmed and Rua depicted many details from significant cities in their lives. Their short film traced Ahmed’s journey to Adelaide with how each place changed him. Ahmed said, ‘I live in Adelaide, but I live in other cities too – cities that still sit quietly in my memory.’
The interactive workshops combined storytelling and hands-on creativity. The workshop participants shared personal reflections on belonging to a city and why specific city may feel like home, then produced paintings on small canvases inspired by their feelings. Assembled the canvases complement one another to form a collective artwork that goes beyond individual representations of belonging, forging a shared sense of city identity.
Madinati launch and workshop events extended the visual arts exhibition by establishing intercultural connections initiatives. This consisted in including First Nations artists from the Spirit In Unity group, to conduct and engage the audience in a smoking ceremony and an interactive Welcome to Country performance. This also was conveyed by inviting guests from diverse background to participate and interact around the Arabic culture through storytelling, visual arts, music, dance and hospitality practices. Furthermore, in Madinati workshops, participants were provided with the opportunity to share personal stories and co-create artwork to convey what contributes to the feeling of belonging to the places where we live.
Overall, Madinati offered an opportunity of rich intercultural connection in the City of Adelaide. Three public events were attended by about a hundred participants from diverse backgrounds. Not only did the exhibition launch immerse guests in the Arabic hospitality through Arabic art, food, drinks and music, but it also created a space to connect with First Nations cultural practices and traditions.
Project supported by City of Adelaide Community Impact Grants.
Madinati ALCASA Team
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