'Anjelo and Butter

In the spirit of reciprocity, ‘Anjelo and Butter is an invitation to join us at the table, in conversation. To feel at home in the process, over a cup of tea and bread, the foundational food of everyday life, with artists Idil Abdullahi and Alissar Chidiac. Leading with the creative processes of Idil’s artistic practice and fresh Somali bread prepared on the day– ‘Anjelo and Butter celebrates the essential staple, the sustaining life force that is universally relatable, the smell, the warmth, the taste, the comfort.

Guided by storyteller, Alissar Chidiac, we ask you to take a moment, a seat, in conversation and share what bread means to you? Is ‘bread’ a foreign word in your home language? Let’s get back to the basics, bread, butter, conversation, our starting point, together. 

‘Anjelo and Butter takes place on the lands and waters of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug nation and we pay our respects to their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and future. We extend that respect to all First Nations people joining this program and visiting PHIVE.

We also acknowledge the painful reality that we in the diaspora are sharing 'Anjelo, whilst there is severe drought and devastating famine in the homelands of Somalia. 

When: Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th June & 5th July 

Time: 11.30am– 1.30pm  

Location: PHIVE Ground Floor Foyer 

Free: Drop in. No registrations required, however limited quantities of ‘Anjelo will be available on the day. ‘Anjelo and Butter is an invitation to sit down, discuss and share. Take-away is not available. 

‘Anjelo ingredients: Flour, Semolina, Yeast, Salt, Sugar, Oil, Water. Contains Gluten.  Vegan. 

Image Credit: Idil Abdullahi

About Idil:

Idil Abdullahi, who was born in Somalia, arrived in Australia as a refugee with her family in 1993. They settled in Western Sydney, where she still lives and works, dedicating herself to nurturing the culturally rooted creative practices of other women and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, in addition to her own. Abdullahi is known for her mastery of the delicate art of henna painting, a skill she has been honing since she was a small child, as well as her work with ceramics, photography and textiles. Her diverse artistic works are all infused with the legacy of her Somali ancestry, frequently incorporating artistic practices from Somali Sufi traditions. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UNSW Art and Design; exhibits regularly; has received several grants including one from Museum and Galleries NSW to curate a group exhibition, African Diaspora; and is an active member of eleven, a collective of contemporary Muslim Australian creatives.

About Alissar:

Alissar Chidiac has been working in community and cultural engagement for over 40 years. Since 1991 her focus has been on Arab Australian cultures, through contemporary cultural production, cultural heritage and performance work.  Currently Alissar is a creative producer and a core member of Arab Theatre Studio. Alissar has previously developed initiatives with the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney ('wattan project' 1998-2004); with Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre ('No Added Sugar' 2011-2012); with Auburn Community Development Network ('Inside Out' 2005-2007; 'Moving Calligraphy Visual Storytelling' 2009-2010; Auburn Poets and Writers Group 2005-2010).
As a Creative Producer she has also been part of teams with 'Auburn Cartographies of Diversity' 2015-2017 and with Arts and Cultural Exchange's 'ParraMa' 2017-2018. Alissar was awarded a Fellowship in 2005 by the Community Cultural Development Board of the Australia Council for the Arts. In 2010 she was winner of the Australia Council's annual ‘Ros Bower Award’, honouring a lifetime contribution to community arts and cultural development.