The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, an initiative by Façon Magazine supported by Greater Bank, has announced its 2026 mentorship panel. Now in its fourth year, the programme provides emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives across New South Wales with access to industry leaders across nine disciplines, including fashion, music, film and digital art.
The 2026 mentor cohort includes Samantha Harris (Fashion), Casey Donovan (Music), Damian Smith (Dance), Rheanna Lotter (Digital Art), and Saretta Fielding (Art Painting). These professionals will provide one-on-one guidance to nine finalists, assisting them in navigating commercial pathways and professional development within the creative industries.
The programme will award one recipient a $10,000 scholarship, while the remaining eight finalists will each receive $1,000 to support their creative practices.
Reflecting on the importance of professional guidance in the music industry, mentor Casey Donovan highlighted the need for transparency and growth.
“I think that through this mentorship, it’s really important to have truth and honesty and transparency into what the world can be like, but also finding the positives. I think throughout my career I’ve been able to find those positives and be able to step up, ask questions and grow,” Casey said.
“You’re continuously growing in this industry, and I think that it’s really important to have open doors and open conversations with people.”
The scholarship categories are designed to reflect the diversity of contemporary Indigenous storytelling, spanning accessory design, photography, writing and film. Following the close of applications on 11 May 2026, the finalists will be mentored ahead of a formal announcement during NAIDOC Week.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Façon Australia, Lara Lupish said the programme’s evolution is linked to the participation of established industry figures.
“Each year, we see the scholarship evolve, and with that comes an incredible level of mentorship from creatives who are not only leaders in their industries, but passionate about giving back,” Lara said.
“This program is about nurturing the next generation of Indigenous storytellers and ensuring their voices are seen, heard and supported.”
Head of Community and Sustainability at NGM Group, Kirrah McClelland said the exchange of experience is a critical component of the scholarship’s success.
“The scholarship mentors are all leaders in their fields who have walked before them and know what it takes to be successful,” Kirrah said.
“Each of the scholarship recipients are going to benefit immensely from receiving invaluable guidance and advice from fellow First Nations creatives who have a wealth of experience to share.”
IMAGE | Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship reveals 2026 mentors to support First Nations creatives
