The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship has unveiled its distinguished lineup of mentors for the 2026 program.

An initiative by Façon Magazine, proudly supported by Greater Bank, The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is now in its fourth year.

The scholarship continues to support emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives across New South Wales, providing access to mentorship, industry insight and a platform to elevate their storytelling practice.

This year's mentors represent a diverse cross-section of Australia's creative industries, including Samantha Harris (Fashion), Casey Donovan (Music), Damian Smith (Dance), Rheanna Lotter (Digital Art), Malang, led by Saretta Fielding (Art Painting), Corin Corcoran (Accessory Design), Warren Taggart (Photography), Brendan Blacklock (Film), and Joshua Gilbert (Writing).

Each mentor will work closely with one of the nine finalists, offering guidance, knowledge and support as they develop their creative voice and navigate pathways within their chosen field.

In her interview for Façon Magazine's 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship special edition, musician Casey Donovan reflected on the value of mentorship and creative 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," she said.

"I think throughout my career I've been able to find those positives and be able to step up, ask questions and grow.

"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 program will award one recipient with $10,000, alongside $1,000 for each of the eight finalists to support their creative pursuits.

All finalists will also receive one-on-one mentorship from leaders within their respective disciplines, fostering both creative and professional development.

Façon Australia founder and editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the continued growth of the program is reflected in the calibre of mentors involved.

"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," she said.

"This program is about nurturing the next generation of Indigenous storytellers and ensuring their voices are seen, heard and supported."

NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability Kirrah McClelland, of which Greater Bank is a part, said the breadth of experience amongst mentors was exciting.

"The scholarship mentors are all leaders in their fields who have walked before them and know what it takes to be successful," she 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."

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship spans nine creative categories, including fashion, music, dance, writing, accessory design, film, art painting, digital art and photography.

Following the close of applications on May 11, finalists will be announced ahead of a special event during NAIDOC Week, where the 2026 scholarship recipient will be revealed.

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