Phoebe Blogg, Tunku and Ngaadi, the story of Mirriyaal, to light up the night for Vivid Sydney, National Indigenous Times, 6 May 2025

Australian National Maritime Museum will present Tunku and Ngaadi, the story of Mirriyaal, the creator who shaped the first humans, Tunku and Ngaadi, from the stars to inhabit Earth and entrusted them with the task of creation, for Vivid Sydney 2025.

The immersive experience of animation, sound and storytelling will be projected onto the museum rooftop nightly from May 23 to June 13, between 6pm and 11pm. For this projection the optimal vantage points are at Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf, as part of the world-famous Vivid Light Walk.

Through an animation of the art of Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison, this new light projection brings to life the story of Mirriyaal, the creator who shaped the first humans, Tunku and Ngaadi, from the stars to the Earth, entrusting them with the task of creation.

Using a simple stick and stone, they shaped the land, animals, and trees. As exhaustion and conflict arose, Tunku was cast into the sky as the moon, while Ngaadi’s grief created rivers, oceans, and the waratah flower, symbolizing the gift of life and nature. The animation, developed by Studio Gilay, showcases this powerful myth of creation and eternal love.

Alongside the immersive visuals projected onto the Museum’s roof, this moving story will be accompanied by a soundscape performance by the Djinama Yilaga choir which can be heard from the Pyrmont Bridge. Artist Cheryl Davison also formed Djinama Yilaga, a renowned choir made up of South Coast Yuin people, helping to revitalise her ancestors’ language, Dhurga, through song.

Museum Director and chief executive officier Ms Daryl Karp said the museum is thrilled to join forces with Davison for this special projection.

“The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to begin your Vivid Sydney journey and immerse yourself in the 2025 theme, Dream. We are thrilled to partner with a First Nations artist and animation team in the work of Cheryl Davison and Studio Gilay and showcase the choral works of the Djinama Yilaga choir as part of the world-renowned Vivid Festival, to bring this timeless Dreaming story to life,” she said.

To celebrate Tunku and Ngaadi, the Museum also has planned other opportunities to experience Vivid Sydney including the Sea Gathering event – an evening of light, dreams, song, and storytelling at the Australian National Maritime Museum during Vivid Sydney.

The event starts on the museum’s performance platform with a live performance by artist Cheryl Davison and the Djinama Yilaga Choir. Onsite activities include a maker’s space where children can create whale lanterns and access the Action Stations lookout for the best view of the projection.

Visitors will also be guided along Pyrmont Bridge to see the full projection and hear the soundscape. Food and drinks will be available to purchase at Ripples, featuring a menu by First Nations chef, Mindy Woods, a Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan.

Vivid Sydney runs from the 23rd of May until 14th of June.