A giant pop-up book comes to life at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) this week, offering an unforgettable journey through Adnyamathanha Country; during which six senior Adnyamathanha women and two young women travel through Ilkura (the Flinders Ranges) in the footsteps of Virkuthalypila, the Two Women from the Yura Muda (Dreamtime).
This 30-minute immersive animation, made by the Adnyamathanha community of South Australia in collaboration with the SharingStories Foundation brings the rich cultural heritage of the Adnyamathanha people to life through vibrant hand drawn illustration, songs and Dreamtime Storytelling.
This one-month residency (October 10 – November 12) inside MCA Australia’s National Centre for Creative Learning is part of an Australia-wide tour for the work, starting in Leigh Creek SA in September 2025 and finishing in the Tiwi Islands in 2026
“Our country is woven together by an endless thread of stories. They are embedded in the land, the sky, the water, and the mountain. Even the animals hold stories from long time ago. We follow the journey of the two women, sharing and learning many more stories along the way. Stories that teach young ones to stay safe and respect sacred sites, and to help us all gain a greater appreciation of Adnyamathanha history and culture” – Adnyamathanha Artists Adnyamathanha Cultural Custodian Yvonne Brady said the Community is proud to share their history, Culture and stories with visitors to the exhibition, “This is not only for our kids, but we want other children to know about our connection to culture and the stories of this land.”
SharingStories Foundation CEO, Pitta Pitta woman Sharon Williams said, “An important part of creating the installation experience was to share Adnyamathanha stories and knowledges to deepen understanding of the diversity and build respect for all First Nations’ culture and knowledges.”
“We are honoured that the Adnyamathanha community has shared this powerful story. This is a new and innovative way of engaging with Culture and immersing ourselves in place-based stories that give us all an opportunity to learn.” Ms Williams said.
MCA Director, Engagement, Lamia Dabboussy said “It’s a privilege to host this beautiful and engaging artwork at the Museum. We’re grateful to the Adnyamathanha community and to the SharingStories Foundation for working with us to bring this story to the MCA at Tallawoladah, to expand connections and to strengthen understanding of rich community cultures in all their diversity across Australia.”
School groups are invited to attend, and free bookings can be made here:
Additional free materials, aligned with the Australian Curriculum and available via the SharingStories education platform, Jajoo Warrngara: The Culture Classroom.
The Museum Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) in partnership with the Sharing Stories Foundation and the Adnyamathanha community presents Same Like Yesterday: Virlkuthalypila and Other Stories from Our Country (October 10 – November 12).
