OUR WORK
The DPM project model has been developed over two decades, co-created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people around Australia. DPM projects feature a community-led method of multi-layered workshops - comprising community dialogue, creative song writing, video production and social impact.
It is based on international best practice in community engagement with a focus on the existing strengths and inherent value within the community. Facilitating a safe, creative space for communities to ‘name their world’. In doing so - to think objectively about positive change for community, culture, and country.
We call it ‘collaborative storytelling’, taking arts-based community & cultural development practice and Indigenous cultural principles of ‘yarning’ and storytelling and fusing them with contemporary forms such as urban music, rap, poetry, film, theatre, and performance. This makes it relevant and engaging for all involved.
We have a team of incredible facilitators, mentors, songwriters, filmmakers, mentors and creatives who work collaboratively with the community to build a platform for the stories and voices to be heard.
OUR WAY
Through our deeply collaborative approach we recognise that forIndigenous Australians, social factors such as health, wellbeing, culture, art,story, environment and education are interconnected, reflecting a holistic worldview rather than separate, as they are often seen in Western systems.
DPM’s innovative creative method works at the intersection of these social factors, enabling participants to navigate complex narratives and create opportunities for critical intergenerational conversation about genuine social change, and safe, engaging and meaningful way.
Through our long history, track record and many miles on dusty highways, it has been proven to us time and time again that relationships are the path to true learning – both ways. This trust is the bridge between worlds, and DPM’s work has demonstrated the positive changes for participants and their communities when this is done right.
We work closely with partner organisations, Traditional Owners and reps from local services and agencies to identify and engage participants and community leaders, develop key themes, prepare, script, and produce and release the creative outcomes.
These pieces of meaningful media become part of a living cultural archive and something the community can be proud of.
This is the DPM way
