Façon Australia, in conjunction with Greater Bank, have launched a scholarship program that aims to celebrate, sustain and grow Australian Indigenous art and design across New South Wales.
‘The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship’ will provide a successful applicant with $10,000, along with mentorship, to support their creative aspirations. Scholarship applications are open to all Indigenous people aged 16 and above, located in New South Wales, who are pursuing a career in the creative arts.
The categories include creative storytelling, fashion design, accessory design, art and painting, music, dance, writing and storytelling, digital arts, film and acting, and photography. An independent panel comprising leaders in the Indigenous and Artistic communities will select a finalist from each category, with the winner to be announced at an event at Murrook Cultural Centre in Port Stephens during NAIDOC Week – 2 to 9 July 2023.
The scholarship program has been developed following the success of Façon Magazine’s 2022 ‘Dreaming Edition’, which shone a light on the incredible contribution Indigenous people continue to make within the Arts and associated industries. Façon Australia’s Founder and editor-in-chief, Lara Lupish, said the scholarship was a natural and positive step in developing the talents of the current and next generation of Indigenous artists.
“The ‘Dreaming Edition’ was incredibly successful, and we are so proud of the local Indigenous connections it allowed us to make and the relationships with creatives such as our cover star Samantha Harris, as well as Jessica Mauboy, Ella Havelka and Saretta Fielding.
“Greater Bank is also an incredibly important contributor to the program, providing the $10,000 to support our scholarship winner in realising their career dreams,” Ms Lupish said. Greater Bank’s Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate, welcomed the opportunity to support this very worthwhile scholarship program.
“The Arts has long been an important but underfunded area of pursuit, particularly among our First Nations people, meaning that many never have the opportunity to realise their full artistic potential.
“This program aims to highlight the amazing artistic work of Indigenous people across the state, and while there is only one scholarship, I hope this will provide the eventual finalists and others the encouragement and motivation to continue with their artistic pursuits.”
Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO, Andrew Smith, also supports the program in providing exposure and growth for the Arts and Indigenous communities in NSW.
“This project is a unique and exciting opportunity to showcase and enhance the wonderful, abundant and positive contributions being made by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples to the Arts Industry,” he said.
A bespoke edition of Façon Magazine will be created to provide a platform for each finalist and their work before a winner is announced at the official celebratory event.
