The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, an initiative by Façon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, has announced their 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 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.

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, he said it was so important to create spaces to identify and nurture 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,” Mitch said.

“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.

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

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

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 11 July during NAIDOC Week.

IMAGE | Indigenous Scholarship Mentor for 2024, Mitch Tambo. Picture credit: Fernando Barraza Creative.