Vivid Sydney 2025 - Dreaming stories, songs and moonlight paddling at the Maritime Museum
Australian National Maritime Museum
As part of Vivid Sydney 2025, the Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to 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.
This immersive experience of animation, sound and storytelling will be projected onto the museum rooftop nightly from May 23 to June 14 between 6pm until 11pm, with optimal vantage points 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 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 breathtaking 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 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 CEO Ms Daryl Karp said, ‘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.’
To celebrate Tunku and Ngaadi, the Museum also has planned some other opportunities to experience Vivid Sydney:
Sea Gathering - Join us for 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.
Dates: May 29
Times: 6pm – 8pm
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Vivid Moonlight Sea Kayaking Experience - Step into an enchanting world with Sydney Harbour Kayaks on an unforgettable 90-minute night-time sea kayaking journey: the Sydney Vivid Moonlight Kayaking Experience.
The leisurely paddle adventure begins and concludes at the Australian National Maritime Museum. These guided kayaking expeditions offer a rare opportunity to traverse Darling Harbour on a moonlit escapade, granting you an unparalleled, and unique perspective of Vivid Sydney.
Dates: Select dates between May 23 – June 14
Times: 6pm, 8:30pm
Ages: Ages 10+
Booking: Bookings essential
Price: Adults $130, Children $95
For more information please visit: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/vivid
Vivid Sydney runs from 23 May to 14 June, for more information and to plan your visit, go to vividsydney.com
The Artists
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 haring First Nations stories through art.
Studio Gilay
Studio Gilay, founded in 2021 by Jake Duczynski and James Hackett, is a Sydney based production company known for their unique design, close collaboration, and honest approach to storytelling, committed to originality, diversity and authentic representation, Studio Gilay brings together dynamic and passionate team, over a third of whom are of First Nations heritage. This includes talented writers, directors, and artists.
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2025 theme, ‘Dream,’ sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW’s cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.
www.vividsydney.com
ENDS
High-res images available here.
Please note, we have limited availability in the first days of Vivid for media to enjoy a Vivid Moonlight Seakayaking Experience. Please contact Alex Gonzalez to organise.
For media enquiries and images please contact:
Alex Gonzalez e: [email protected] m: 0401 545 778
Vivid Sydney e: [email protected]