Name: Tunku and Ngaadi
Start: 2025-05-23T08:00:00
End: 2025-06-14T13:00:00
Location: Australian National Maritime Museum

Watch as valleys, plants, animals and waterways take shape before your eyes, transforming the rooftop of the Australian National Maritime Museum into a...

Location:

2 Murray Street
2000 NSW
Australia

Venue:

Australian National Maritime Museum

Price:

Free

Artist Details

Cheryl Davison

Cheryl Davison is a Walbunja and Ngarigo artist whose work is deeply connected to Yuin Country and storytelling. Inspired by her Elders’ teachings and her own family history, Cheryl’s paintings, prints and visual art capture the beauty and resilience of her culture. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and she is passionate about preserving and sharing First Nations stories through art.

Studio Gilay

Studio Gilay is a Sydney-based production company known for its bold, design-driven storytelling. Founded by Jake Duczynski and James Hackett in 2021, the studio gained recognition for its animated series COOKED, featured on ABC and TikTok. With a focus on memorable characters, contemporary design, and agile collaboration, Studio Gilay is redefining Australian animation and digital storytelling.

Event Details

Watch as valleys, plants, animals and waterways take shape before your eyes, transforming the rooftop of the Australian National Maritime Museum into a story of creation, love and loss.

A timeless Dreaming story from the South Coast of NSW, Tunku and Ngaadi tells of the eternal connection between the Moon and the Earth. Passed down through generations, this powerful tale is illustrated by Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison and brought to life through the voices of the Djinama Yilaga Choir.

Entrusted by the Creator, Mirriyaal, with shaping the world, Ngaadi thrives—sculpting valleys, carving rivers and breathing life into the land. Meanwhile, Tunku forms towering trees but, overwhelmed by the task, refuses to finish his work. As punishment, Mirriyaal casts him into the sky, transforming him into the moon.

Heartbroken, Ngaadi’s tears flow, creating the oceans and her shattered heart blossoms into the Waratah flower. Though forever separated, Tunku’s moonlight continues to guide the rhythms of life on Earth.

Sea Gathering Family Event

Thursday 29 May
6pm – 8pm

Join us for an evening of light, dreams, song, and storytelling at the Australian National Maritime Museum during Vivid Sydney.

Discover Tunku and Ngaadi: A breathtaking rooftop projection sharing a traditional Dreaming story from the NSW South Coast, crafted by Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison.

Enjoy a live performance: Begin your evening with Cheryl Davison and the Djinama Yilaga Choir on our performance platform.

Get creative: Kids will love making their own whale lanterns in our makers space.

Enjoy the best views: Head to the Action Stations lookout for prime projection viewing.

Follow the experience: Walk with us along Pyrmont Bridge to fully experience the projection and its soundscape.

Savour delicious food and drinks: Indigenous chef Mindy Woods' menu is available to purchase at Ripples.

Free family fun: This event is your invitation to connect with culture, art, and community.

Free with registration here →

Location

-33.869294342125, 151.19870790185

Access and Inclusion

Audio Described Audio Described - Audio description is a service provided for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Trained audio describers give live, objective, verbal descriptions.
Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.

Tunku and Ngaadi