First Nations Art and Djaa Djuwima

Exhibitions and other Events

Explore our current and past exhibitions by clicking on the images below to see more information, as well as images and videos (where available).
Dhelk Djakitj

April 4 - September, 2025
Djaa Djuwima

Dhelk Djakitj means nourishing food and the stunning artworks are inspired by bush tucker - the food, the people, Country, and stories that bring them together.

Heart of the Region

To recognise National Reconciliation Week, the City of Greater Bendigo will display the ‘Heart of the Region’, an inflatable Heart with wings. The ‘Heart of the Region’ was made for the Regional Centre for Culture and was last seen in 2018. The temporary sculpture was designed by Djaara artist Racquel Kerr to pay homage to Dja Dja Wurrung stories.
The Heart of the Region will be on display daily from 27 May to 3rd June 2025.

Fibre

September 5, 2024 - March 20, 2025
Djaa Djuwima

Fibre showcases the diverse artistic expressions of First Nations artists from the City of Greater Bendigo region. The exhibition features an array of woven objects, recycled materials, possum skins, baskets, and wall hangings.

Young Mob Excelling

May 9 - August 30, 2024
Djaa Djuwima

Young Mob Excelling, tells the stories of First Nations youth who are making their mark across a range of activities. Included in the exhibition are photos and profiles, along with memorabilia and original artworks.

Knuldoorong Art Exhibition 2024

The 2024 Knuldoorong Art Exhibition aligned with the NAIDOC 2024 theme: "Keep The Fire Burning - Blak, Loud & Proud" and included the work of 18 local First Nations artists.

Surviving and Thriving

February to April 2024
Djaa Djuwima

First Nations Artists living, earning, learning or with close connection to Dja Dja Wurrung contributed to this exhibition of traditional and contemporary art.

Strength in Stories: This is what we do

October 2023 to January 2024
Djaa Djuwima

A celebration of the artistic talents of First Nations Men, Brotherboys, and Youth via various mediums including wood carving and building, painting, body adornment and digital art.

Knuldoorong Past Exhibitions

Knuldoorong has been a great success for showcasing First Nations artwork.

Djaara Lights

In 2019 the City of Greater Bendigo’s Creative Communities team and DJAARA forged a creative partnership to develop an artists led multi-site temporary public art project. The project was jointly managed by co-creative producers Maree Tonkin (COGB) & Mariaa Randall (Djaara). You can experience the six seasons by Troy Firebrace and Drew Berick in one of Bendigo's most unique cultural activation experiences and it's viewable seven days a week until November 2027.

  • related article image

First Nations Art

The City of Greater Bendigo is located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Peoples of the Kulin Nation. They are the traditional custodians of this land.

In 2020, the City of Greater Bendigo appointed Janet Bromley, Arts Officer First Nations to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living and working in Greater Bendigo, to connect artists to opportunities and to facilitate the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture in the region. 

To Contact the Arts Officer First Nations directly, Email: [email protected] or call the Capital Box Office on 5434 6100.

  • related article image

Djaa Djuwima

Djaa Djuwima (‘Show, Share Country’) is a dedicated and permanent First Nations Gallery at the Bendigo Visitor Centre on Pall Mall in the former Post Office Gallery space.

The inaugural exhibition, Gurangarr Dja Dja Wurrung Djayi (‘you are on/in Dja Dja Wurrung Country’) opened on Thursday November 24, 2022 and ran until May 2023.

Djaa Djuwima continues to host an evolving exhibition program, alongside workshops and other activities

Learn More
  • related article image

First Nations Arts Network

The First Nations Arts Network is a network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to come together four-times per year from 5.30, and have a yarn about art, network with each other and ensure that the arts programs meet community expectations. 

First Nations Arts Network gathering dates for 2025 are:

  • Thursday, April 24
  • Thursday, June 26
  • Thursday, September 25 
  • and last gathering for the year will be held on Thursday, December 11. 

RSVP, or for more information, contact: [email protected]

↑
ᐳ

BV&E acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands where our venues stand and where we share stories through art and culture.

We acknowledge and pay respect to their Elders past, present and future.