2026 Winner: Young Alumnus Award, AEL
Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art, 2022
Dylan Mooney is a proud Yuwi, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander artist whose work spans painting, printmaking, digital illustration and drawing. Legally blind, he uses vibrant digital media to explore culture, identity and representation. A Brisbane Portrait Prize winner, his work amplifies contemporary Indigenous and queer voices.
How do you describe what you do in one sentence?
Creating stories and sharing them with community for them to be celebrated and shared with future generations.
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
Art became a way for me to celebrate my culture, while curating became a way to create space for others. My career has been driven by a desire to make cultural institutions more inclusive and to ensure future generations see themselves reflected in these spaces.
Why does your work matter?
I believe art has the power to preserve culture, challenge perspectives and bring people together. Through my work as both an artist and curator, I hope to create spaces where people can learn from one another, celebrate diverse stories and see themselves represented. If my work inspires even one young First Nations person to believe that their voice belongs in the arts, then I’ve made a meaningful contribution.
How do you see your industry evolving?
I see the arts becoming increasingly community-led, collaborative and culturally responsive. There is growing recognition of First Peoples' knowledge, and institutions are beginning to better acknowledge diverse histories and voices. I believe the sector's future lies in genuine partnerships with communities.
How do you approach leadership in your work and community involvement?
I always approach it with an open mind and a willingness to listen to people’s stories and experiences.
Can you share a valuable lesson you learned from a setback or failure in your career?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to say yes to every opportunity. Early in my career, I felt pressure to accept everything, but I realised that protecting your wellbeing and staying focused on meaningful work leads to a more sustainable career. Sometimes stepping back is just as important as moving forward.
Tell us something that might surprise others to learn about you.
I enjoy studying languages, particularly Japanese and watching J-dramas and anime.
What does a typical day or week at work look like for you?
Every day is different. I might be developing exhibitions, working with artists, managing the collection, writing exhibition texts, meeting with community members, or overseeing exhibition installations. It’s a role that combines creativity, research, collaboration and project management.
What advice would you give to a current Griffith student or recent graduate?
Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Build genuine relationships, stay curious and say yes to opportunities that align with your values. Your career won’t always follow a straight path, and that’s okay. Every experience helps shape who you become.
Why are you proud to be a Griffith alumnus?
Griffith provided an environment where I felt supported to explore my identity and develop my creative practice. I’m proud to represent a university that values diversity, encourages innovation and supports First Peoples voices. It’s rewarding to now give back by sharing my journey with current students.
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