Nine emerging Indigenous creatives from across New South Wales have been selected as finalists in the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, gaining the opportunity to work alongside some of Australia's most respected artists, designers, performers and storytellers.
Presented by Façon Magazine and proudly supported by Greater Bank, the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is now in its fourth year and continues to champion the next generation of Indigenous creatives through mentorship, professional development and financial support.
This year's finalists will be guided by an exceptional lineup of mentors spanning fashion design, accessory design, music, art painting, digital art, film, writing, photography and dance, creating meaningful pathways into Australia's creative industries.
In 2026, eight finalists will each receive a $1,000 cash prize, while one participant will be awarded the program's major $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, all made possible through the support of Greater Bank.
The 2026 finalists and mentors are, Aimee Hannan (New England) mentored by Casey Donovan, Robbie Hartigan (New England) mentored by Corin Corcoran, Jasmine Christie (Hunter region) mentored by Saretta Fielding from Malang Indigenous Corporation, Liam Forrest (Hunter region) mentored by Brendan Blacklock, Raymond Kelly (Hunter region) mentored by Warren Taggart, Kartika Medcraft-Smith (Queanbeyan region) mentored by Samantha Harris, Holly Faulds (Sydney) mentored by Damian Smith, Aaron Taylor (South Coast) mentored by Joshua Gilbert, and Nicole Smede (South Coast) mentored by Rheanna Lotter.
Façon Australia founder and editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the scholarship has become an important platform for elevating Indigenous voices and creating lasting industry connections.
"The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is about more than recognising talent, it's about investing in future creative leaders and ensuring Indigenous stories continue to be shared," she said.
"The calibre of mentors involved this year reflects the importance of nurturing emerging Indigenous creatives and providing opportunities that can genuinely shape careers.
"We are incredibly proud of this year's finalists and look forward to seeing how they grow throughout the program."
NGM Group head of community and sustainability Kirrah McClelland, of which Greater Bank is a part, said the finalists' work is a powerful reflection of their creativity and passion.
"The originality, skill and vision shown by each of the finalists is truly inspiring," she said.
"We're proud to support them and are excited to watch them continue to grow and thrive through these mentorships."
Over the coming months, finalists will receive one-on-one guidance from their mentor while developing projects that celebrate culture, creativity and storytelling through their chosen disciplines.
The recipient of the $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship will be announced at a special event during NAIDOC Week at Murrook Culture Centre in Port Stephens.
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