Manchester Museum offers first-time cultural experience this April

MCRJourno

A groundbreaking new exhibition exploring the Anindilyakwa community has found its permanent home at Manchester Museum.

Opening on Tuesday 8th April - 'Anindilyakwa Arts: Stories from our Country' is set to bring the voices of the Warnindilyakwa people to the heart of Manchester.

The Warnindilyakwa, hailing from the Groote Archipelago in Australia have long passed down their rich traditions, stories, and artistry through generations and now their cultural heritage is being celebrated.

Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said: "These events reflect everything we stand for - collaboration, care, and the power of cultural belongings to connect people across generations and continents.

"We are deeply honoured to continue our partnership with the Anindilyakwa community and to provide a space where their voices, stories and traditions can be shared."

During 2023 a set of Dadikwakwa-kwa (shell dolls) were gifted to the Museum with the condition that the dolls must come off display once a year to be played with.

This is the first time families in Manchester will have the opportunity to care for these precious objects through play.

Created in collaboration with Warnindilyakwa artists and Elders the landmark exhibition offers a rare chance to experience the depth of Anindilyakwa culture.

Through the community’s own words, art, and traditions, visitors will be given a deeply personal insight into their identity, resilience, and connection to their homeland today.

In addition to the exhibition Manchester Museum is offering a special interactive experience for families to use original shell dolls traditionally used to teach literacy, kinship, and ancestral wisdom - the dolls are regarded as living entities believed to carry the spirits of ancestors.

Play sessions will take place between 2pm and 3pm from 8th - 10th and 15th - 17th April with families are encouraged to sign up in advance for a free ticket.