Wirri Yinarrngu: Djamu Youth Justice Project

The Art Gallery of New South Wales' Djamu Program for Indigenous Art Education centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts, perspectives and cultural practices to provide ongoing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to learn about art, culture and vocational pathways in the visual arts sector.

Since 2017, Djamu Youth Justice has offered a unique project-based model to support Indigenous young people in the NSW Youth Justice System through creating meaningful connections to art and culture. Forging positive relationships between these young people and members of the Aboriginal arts community, the program provides mentorship and vocational pathways post-release.

As a part of this project Lucy and Walgan Brenda McBride, Tom Barker and Cilla Strasek have worked alongside Art Gallery NSW Djamu Youth Justice program staff and educators to develop and deliver the ‘Wirri Yinarrngu’ water carrier project for young First Nations women at Reiby Youth Justice Centre.