Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Announces Distinguished Mentors

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, an initiative by Facon Magazine generously supported by Greater Bank, has introduced the esteemed mentors for the 2024 program.

Now, in its second year, the program empowers Indigenous storytellers from across New South Wales by providing resources and industry guidance to support their creative aspirations.

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 to nurture and amplify Indigenous voices across diverse creative industries.

Mitch Tambo, the Scholarship’s music mentor, is hailed as “the new voice of our generation” and one of Australia’s most electrifying First Nations entertainers.

In support of the scholarship, Mr Tambo said it was important to be able to create spaces that identify talent and nurture it.

“Storytelling is a massive part of our culture,” Mr Tambo said.

“It’s so important to be able to create spaces that identify talent and nurture that talent.

“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.

“I want to help the winners shape what they need to achieve, as well as shape our story.”

The program will award one deserving recipient with $10,000 to support their creative aspirations, provided by Greater Bank, while 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.

Facon Magazine’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Lara Lupish said it was a pleasure to see the program grow along with the calibre of the mentors.

“Having such immense mentors joining our program this year gives it even more scope and reach for our creative finalists,” Ms Lupish said.

“Each mentor brings a wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields, ensuring the scholarship finalists receive invaluable insights and guidance.”

Greater Bank Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate said that the breadth of experience amongst the mentors was exciting.

“For someone looking to build a career in the creative industries, having a mentor who has walked that path before them is invaluable,” Ms Brokate said.

“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 Storytelling 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.

Indigenous individuals who reside in NSW are invited to submit their applications online until the deadline on April 18, with teh scholarship recipient to be announced on July 11 during NAIDOC Week.

Visit Facon Magazine and Greater Bank at https://www.faconaustralia.com/scholarship/ and https://www.greater.com.au/ for more information about the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship and its mentorship program.

• Topics:

• First Nations Peoples
• Education
• Scholarships