Commissioned by the Sydney Opera House, Badu Gili: Story Keepers transforms the Eastern Bennelong sails into a cross-continental dialogue of First Nations storytelling. 

Created in collaboration with the Biennale of Sydney and Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, this public art spectacle brings together the works of Gooniyandi Elder Mervyn Street and Inuk artist Ningiukulu Teevee.

VANDAL shaped and animated a six-minute projection that journeys from the ochre heat of the Kimberley to the glacial stillness of the Arctic. The team worked closely with the artists to translate their static artworks into a cohesive, site-responsive animation that honoured culture, Country and narrative integrity.

The result positions the sails as a living canvas – carrying stories of kinship, resilience and cultural continuity through light and motion, and reinforcing the Opera House as a platform for contemporary Indigenous voices on the world stage.

Creative Development & Animation: VANDAL

Executive Creative Director: Chris Scott

Lead Producer: Alice Robinson

Lead Artist: Sam Hoh

2D Animator: Jeremy Mansford

2D Animator: Chris Moore

Artists:

Ninguikulu TeeVee

Mervyn Street

Client

Sydney Opera House

Collaborators

Biennale of Sydney
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain

Musical Composition

ism Studios