“Our Stories” poster, courtesy of Yadura Design Studio
2024 has been a year of resilience to our community. Although our hearts have been shattered with the escalation of warfare and the worsening economic and safety conditions in the Middle East, we have come together to focus on the importance of our role in bringing the community to appreciate the SA Arabic heritage. The following highlights the work we have accomplished in 2024 thanks to the incredible contributions of the ALCASA volunteers and members.
Continuing the well established ALCASA tradition since 2013, from January to August 2024, we ran regular small language and culture events at the Multicultural Communities Council of SA (MCCSA). We focused on learning Arabic (7 Arabic Conversation workshops, 86 participants), and on traditional line dancing (Dabke, 5 workshops, 60 participants). We also went on a fig picking excursion (26 participants), and hosted a History Festival event at the Migration Museum (flatbread Demonstration and Tasting, 32 particpants).
From intimate gatherings to larger concerts featuring local Arabic-speaking talented musicians, we hosted two performing arts events (Aghaani Zamaan: Traditional Arabic Songs, at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival (Nexus Arts Venue, 130 guests) and at the 2024 Refugee Week (Australian Migrant Resource Centre, 69 guests)), and an Arabic culture themed Quiz Night (5EBI Radio Auditorium, 69 participants). These events not only entertained but also uplifted spirits and reminded us of the beauty in our shared experiences.
In August 2024, the ALCASA exhibition “Ahlan Wa Sahlan: Hospitality in the Arabic Culture” – a labor of love completed in better times in partnership with HTSA Migration Museum- gained significant recognition, being shortlisted for the prestigious People’s Choice AMaGA Award. Heartfelt thanks to the History Trust of SA, this cultural exhibition is currently available online at https://ahlanwasahlan.history.sa.gov.au . The exhibition and the series of related interactive workshops (in 2023) still motivate us to continue offering similar initiatives to build bridges between communities promoting mutual understanding and inclusion.
Alas the war situation worsened from Septembre 2024. In response to the grief and challenges our community faced, we launched the ALCASA project “Our Stories”, a series of comforting and reflective events to create a safe space for solidarity, healing and collective resilience. So far, we have hosted two “Our Stories” gatherings, both very well attended (MCCSA and Minor Works Building Community Centre, October and November 2024, 83 participants).
None of this would have been possible without the consistent dedication of our members and volunteers. From organizing events to facilitating workshops, their valuable work has been the backbone of our success. Their commitment has ensured that ALCASA remains a source of support, pride, and inspiration for all who engage with it.
As we move into the new year, we are determined to continue to build on the foundations we have laid in the project Our Stories. Plans are already underway for more language, music, and arts workshops, as well as community gatherings that foster hope and solidarity.
We look forward to a good year full of creativity and cultural events.
Fayrouz Ajaka
ALCASA Chair and Co-Founder
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