Created by Facon Magazine with the support of Greater Bank, it has been announced that The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship will return in 2024 for its second year.
Set to reappear perhaps bigger and better than before, it has been announced that several distinguished Indigenous creators will take on the title of program mentor for this year's program.
Established to empower Indigenous storytellers from across New South Wales by providing resources and industry guidance to support their creative aspirations, the scholarship program has been the topic of discussion this month after Facon Magazine released the names of the 2024 mentors just last week.
This year's mentors include a talented lineup featuring Mitch Tambo (World Musician), Samantha Harris (international supermodel), Sidney Saltner (Youth Program Director, Bangarra Dance), Professor Chelsea Watego (author of Another Day in the Colony), Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy), Stephen Page (Director of Spear), Nicole Chaffey (artist and Museum Gallery Director), Travis De Vries (digital artist and illustrator), and Milly Hooper (photographer and exhibitor at Head On Photo Festival).
These accomplished individuals will play a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring each of the nine finalists, with an aim of nurturing and amplifying Indigenous voices across diverse creative industries. Each creative will also bring a unique set of skills and industry knowledge to the program.
For music mentor Mitch Tambo, participating in the scholarship program as a mentor is an opportunity for him to help winners shape what they need to achieve. Celebrated as one of Australia's most electrifying First Nations entertainers, Tambo is as eager and enthusiastic about this opportunity as he is on stage.
"It's so important to be able to create spaces that identify talent and nurture that talent. Storytelling is a massive part of our culture. It's one of the main ways Indigenous people have kept our culture alive and nurtured it to be the oldest living continual culture on the planet. Art, music and dance is at the forefront of this so to be a part of it in 2024 really excites me. I'm really excited to see what all the finalists are going to showcase for the scholarship," he said.
"I want to help the winners shape what they need to achieve, as well as shape our story."
Façon Magazine's founder and editor-in-chief, Lara Lupish, is also excited to see the program and celebrate a new cohort of mentors.
"Having such immense mentors joining our program this year gives it even more scope and reach for our creative finalists. Each mentor brings a wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields, ensuring the scholarship finalists receive invaluable insights and guidance," she said.
Greater Bank chief distribution officer, Emma Brokate said that she too is looking forward to welcoming and highlighting the careers and knowledge of the selected program mentors.
"For someone looking to build a career in the creative industries, having a mentor who has walked that path before them is invaluable," said Brokate.
"The scholarship mentors are leaders in their fields who know what it takes to succeed and how to navigate the industry. "There's a real buzz about the work being produced by First Nations creatives, and we know that the scholarship recipients are going to receive amazing advice and guidance."
The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is dedicated to fostering creativity and providing a platform for Indigenous voices in various creative sectors including music, fashion design, dance, writing, accessory design, film, art painting, digital art and photography.
The program will award one lucky recipient with $10,000 to support their creative aspirations, provided by Greater Bank. All nine finalists will have the unique opportunity to receive mentorship from a leader within their specific field, further enhancing their growth and impact in the creative landscape.
The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship has, and continues to be a revolutionary program spotlighting Indigenous creatives all whilst propelling them further and showcasing their talent.
Indigenous individuals who reside in NSW are invited to submit their applications online until the deadline on 18 April 2024, with the scholarship recipient to be announced on the 11th of July during NAIDOC Week.
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