YINDJIBARNDI EXPERIENCED CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN SHARJAH AND UK
Michael Woodley and the Sultan Bin Muhammad AI’ Qasimi - (The Sheikh of Sharjah, UAE) at his palace
BY TANGIORA HINAKI
Michael Woodley and Lorraine Coppin recently embarked on a cultural journey that took them from the vibrant art scene of Sharjah to the prestigious Barbican Centre in London. Their trip was marked by significant engagements that highlighted both Yindjibarndi culture and the fostering of international relationships.
Michael Woodley and Lorraine Coppin inside the Palace of Sultan Bin Muhammad AI’ Qasimi - (The Sheikh of Sharjah, UAE) and his daughter Ms AI Qasimi
The journey began with an invitation from Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, daughter of the Sheikh, who globally represents Middle Eastern art and artists through the Sharjah Biennial.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, daughter of the Sheikh, who is globally recognized as Artist Director through her work at Sharjah Biennial. She has a keen interest in curial work which represents political action and crusading this statement through artistic show.
Top left: Ms AI Qasimi, Wendy Hubert, Lorraine Coppin and Michael Woodley
Hoor has shown an interest in the Juluwarlu Art Group, particularly in the artwork of Mum Wendy Hubert, a Yindjibarndi elder. Hoor was invited by Mum Wendy and Lorraine to visit Juluwarlu at the Ngurrawaana community.
During her visit, she was taken on a tour of Yindjibarndi country to engage with the cultural stories through the storytelling of Mum Wendy and Lorraine. The Juluwarlu Art Group has been invited by Hoor to participate in the Aichi Triennale 2025. In return, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has welcomed Michael and Lorraine as her guests in Sharjah.
Visiting the Sharjah Art Museum, Islamic Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Mleiha Archaeological Museum
A Warm Welcome in Sharjah
During their four-day stay, they were presented with a carefully curated itinerary that showcased the region's rich cultural tapestry.
Their explorations included visits to the Sharjah Art Museum, the Islamic Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Mleiha Archaeological Museum, where they learned about rock art dating back 5,000 to 6,000 years.
Chairman HE. Eessa Yousef, Director of Sharjah Archaeology Authority of the Archaeological Centre in Mleiha
They expressed their gratitude to Sheikha Hoor, her father, and the Sharjah Art Foundation for their hospitality, which deepened their appreciation for the region's artistic heritage.
Inside the Sharjah Art Museum
Michael Woodley with the Australian’s Ambassador to the UAE (Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) Mr Ridwaan Jadwat and his wife Jessica.
Salah M. Hassan Dean, The Africa Institute; Chancellor, Global Studies University
Cultural Showcase in London
Following their enriching experience in Sharjah, Michael and Lorraine traveled to London to attend the Spinifex Gum performance by Marliya Choir at the Barbican Centre. The choir, featuring songs written in collaboration with Cat Empire's Felix Riebl and Yindjibarndi leaders, performed pieces that resonate with Yindjibarndi culture and history, including tributes to their late leader Long Mack and themes of connection to the land.
Michael and Lorraine applauding the Marliya choir and Scottish Chorus at the Barbican in London
“This performance was an incredible honor and a chance to showcase Yindjibarndi culture on a global stage,:
The choir sang songs that were written by Cat Empire lead by Felix Riebl in collaboration with myself and Uncle Middleton Cheedy, Michael Woodley explained.
It relates to Yindjibarndi culture and history, songs of Yurala the Rain man our late leader Long Mack who fought against the building of the Harding Dam, Marliya (wild honey), Wandangarli (going crazy) and the Ganalili Centre in Roebourne. The show was a great success which puts Yindjibarndi culture and history on a world stage.”
While in London, Michael and Lorraine seized the opportunity to meet with senior executives from Rio Tinto, CEO Jakob Stausholm and Chairman Dominic Barton. Their discussions centered on strengthening partnerships and mutual visions for the future, further integrating Yindjibarndi perspectives within corporate frameworks.
The trip concluded on a high note, with Michael and Lorraine expressing their heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making their journey a success. They highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse heritages.
This remarkable journey not only showcased the resilience and richness of Yindjibarndi culture but also reinforced the value of international relationships in promoting art and heritage across borders.