On 17 April, the Minor Works Building Community Centre became a space of cultural reflection, storytelling, and shared experience as artist duo Ahmed Elkhalidi and Rua Hashlmoun launched their powerful exhibition, Madinati.
The evening opened with a meaningful Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by Spirit in Unity, grounding the event in respect for the land and its Traditional Custodians. This moment of acknowledgment set the tone for an exhibition deeply rooted in identity, belonging, and connection to place.
Madinati, meaning “my city,” is an evocative exploration of the cities that shape us. Through their work, Elkhalidi and Hashlmoun present not just a single homeland, but a collection of cities carried across journeys and that each layered with memories, emotions, and lived experiences. The exhibition captures the essence of these places through sensory and cultural elements: the richness of food, the depth of traditions, and the enduring bonds formed along the way. It is a visual narrative of migration, identity, and the spaces in between. Madinati is part of the ongoing Arabic Art Alive project which began in 2025 and continues to grow this year. Through this initiative, the Arabic Language and Culture Association of SA (ALCASA) not only showcases Arabic art and culture but also provides a vital platform for Arabic singing and dance groups to thrive, keeping cultural traditions alive and deeply rooted,
The launch was attended by members and volunteers of ALCASA, alongside a diverse cross-section of the community. Distinguished guests included the Honourable Mira El Dannawi MLC, as well as representatives from the City of Adelaide and Uniting Communities. Their presence highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives that foster inclusion and dialogue.
Guests were engaged deeply with the artworks, with many taking time to sign the Guest Book and share reflections. The feedback revealed a strong emotional connection to the exhibition, with attendees expressing how the artworks resonated with their own stories of home, memory, and belonging.
Adding to the atmosphere was a special Arabic music intermission, performed by selected members of the ALCASA Community Singing Group. Their performance brought warmth and familiarity, further enriching the cultural experience of the evening. ALCASA continues to play a vital role in showcasing Arabic art and culture while building bridges across communities. Events like Madinati reflect the organisation’s commitment to bringing people together and supporting meaningful integration within the broader Australian society.
The evening concluded with a celebration of culture and hospitality. Guests enjoyed traditional Arabic nibbles accompanied by fragrant Iraqi cinnamon tea and Lebanese coffee, before joining in the rhythmic joy of Dabke. The dance, full of energy and unity, perfectly captured the spirit of the night. Madinati left a lasting impression. The artists’ ability to translate memory into visual form captivated the audience, with their work resonating deeply across the room. In telling their story, Elkhalidi and Hashlmoun created a space where many could see reflections of their own reminding us that while cities may change, the memories and connections we carry remain.
Nomia Khadim, Madinati Project Volunteer (23 March – 30 April 2026)
Proudly supported by City of Adelaide Community Impact Grants
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