The Cyprus Community of NSW has announced it will present Cyprus Dreaming: A Dialogue with Indigenous Dreaming, a cross-cultural art exhibition fusing Cypriot heritage with Aboriginal art.
The exhibition is a key initiative of the Cyprus Community of NSW’s Cyprus EU Presidency Cultural Programme and is presented under the auspices of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, in collaboration with Unity in Philia.
The exhibition was first displayed in Canberra earlier this year and has been expanded for its Sydney presentation to include a public lecture, dedicated educational resources and the launch of an accompanying publication.
The exhibition explores themes of land, identity, memory, displacement and cultural resilience. It highlights shared connections to homeland, heritage and belonging, while fostering dialogue between the Hellenic-Cypriot experience and the enduring traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Created by emerging visual artist Katerina Todorovic-Nikolaou and curated by Dr Vassilis Adrahtas, Convenor of Greek Studies at UNSW, the exhibition explores a cultural dialogue between Cypriot traditions and the Dreaming traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Peters Kyriacou, said the exhibition represents an important contribution by the Australian Cypriot community during Cyprus’ EU Presidency year.
“This exhibition brings together two of the world’s oldest cultural traditions in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. Though separated by geography, both Cyprus and Australia’s First Nations peoples share deep connections to heritage, memory and identity,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“The Dreaming is a living expression of culture and continuity. It reminds us that all people seek to understand their place in the world, honour their ancestors and preserve their stories for future generations.”
The exhibition explores how both cultures place land, memory and belonging at the centre of identity. Through art, storytelling and cultural interpretation, Cyprus Dreaming invites visitors to reflect on themes of homeland, displacement, cultural resilience and continuity, while fostering dialogue between the Hellenic-Cypriot experience and the enduring traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
The exhibition also reflects the evolution of the Cyprus Community of NSW. While founded to support and preserve the heritage of migrant families, the Community has matured into a confident and established Australian institution, increasingly focused on cultural leadership, education, public engagement and building meaningful connections across the wider community. It recognises the important role diaspora organisations can play in mainstream Australian society by promoting understanding, inclusion and constructive dialogue between cultures.
The official opening will take place on Friday, 19 June 2026, from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at The Cyprus Club in Lakemba and will include a public lecture, cocktail reception and the launch of the publication Cyprus Dreaming: A Dialogue with the Indigenous Dreamtime.
Visitors will be able to participate in guided tours, lectures and structured educational programmes designed for schools, churches and community organisations. The exhibition has been developed to encourage reflection on cultural continuity, belonging and the shared human experience.
Cyprus Dreaming: A Dialogue with Indigenous Dreaming will be open to the public at The Cyprus Club, 26 Quigg Street, Lakemba, from 19 June to 3 July 2026. Entry is free.
To attend the official opening and cocktail reception, book a school or community group visit, or register for exhibition events, visit: www.thecyprusclub.org.au/EUdream
