Djurali Evaluation project

The djurali program began at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in 2005. The original aim of djurali (meaning grow in Gadigal language) was to provide

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with the tools and knowledge to find a pathway into working within the arts. Led by MCA artist educators and the Coordinator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Learning, djurali is an opportunity to experience artist-led creative learning workshops and hear from a variety of people working and studying in creative and cultural fields. Over time, the program’s original aims expanded to include providing an opportunity for participant identity growth, both culturally and as arts practitioners. Since 2005, it has grown in shape and content with over 150 djurali alumni to date.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) funded research to gather stories on the impact of Djurali across various groups, including participants and alumni, MCA staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist educators, and teachers involved in the program. The research also aimed to identify if there were wider program impacts at organisational or systemic levels, and opportunities for strengthening the program in the future.