Indigenous creatives from remote communities in the Northern Territory have taken part in inaugural workshops of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation's Talent Pathways Program.
Recently launched in Sydney, the Talent Pathways Program is a two-year pilot supported by Lendlease's Workplaces with Impact Grant.
It aims to prepare participants for careers in publishing, graphic design, or writing through tailored support and mentorship in community.
ILF chief executive officer Ben Bowen said the program reflects years of work delivering culturally relevant books across Australia.
"I am incredibly proud of the ILF organisation launching the 'Talent Pathways Program' with the support of our donors," he said.
"In life it is easy to lose sight of where you can have true sustainable impact but the ILF has the incredible privilege of trust in the Communities we have partnered with.
"Through 'Talent Pathways' the ILF will invest in people and work with partners to support them in accessing opportunities and support in their aspirations and futures."
Twice a year, ILF will select four participants aged 17–24 who are not currently studying and seeking new career pathways from its CREATE and Pamela Lofts programs.
The program includes study modules, mentorship and practical experience built around each person's creative interests.
Among the inaugural group is 23-year-old Deborah Archie, known as Rose, from Bulla.
Rose said she hopes to "find new and creative ideas to write and illustrate".
Rusinya Brooks, or Ruby, is a 21-year-old from Milikapiti.
Ruby speaks Tiwi and English and wants to "turn words into illustrations" and create a graphic novel or cover.
Murrwale Godden, 23, is from Jilkminggan and now lives in Katherine.
He has an interest in IT and digital art, and speaks Kriol-English.
Bronanna Waterloo, 21, from Amanbidji, speaks Ngarinyman-Kriol and has a creative focus on colour and design.
ILF Talent Pathways Project Manager Darren Moncrieff said the workshops in Sydney followed earlier online sessions.
"It's exciting to be at the start point of this program - for the participants and myself," he said.
"After several online sessions since January, we have just met each other for the first time in Sydney where we spent four fruitful days in practical sessions with a number of ILF staff."
Lendlease Investment Management Managing Director Vanessa Orth said the program aligns with the organisation's commitment to reconciliation.
"We're proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation's Talent Pathways program," she said.
"Supporting initiatives like Talent Pathways lies at the heart of our Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan and we look forward to seeing the participants achieve great outcomes."
