Musician Casey Donovan headlines a talented lineup of mentors for Façon Magazine's 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship program.
Announced as the Scholarship's music mentor, Donovan is one of Australia's most celebrated First Nations artists, known for her powerful voice and storytelling through song.
Donovan said the scholarship is an amazing experience for both opportunity and individual growth.
"For me, this scholarship is an amazing experience and opportunity for people to learn and grow and have another voice and helping hand," she said.
"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.
"You're continuously growing in this industry, and I think that it's really important to have open doors and open conversations with people."
In addition to Donovan, the program's esteemed mentors include Samantha Harris (Fashion), Kassidy Waters (Dance), Rheanna Lotter (Digital Art), Melissa Greenwood (Art Painting), Cassie Leatham (Accessory Design) and Marley Morgan (Photography), with additional mentors for Writing and Film yet to be announced.
Mentors will each 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.
Now in its third year, the program strives to empower Indigenous storytellers from across New South Wales by providing resources and industry guidance to support their creative aspirations.
Provided by Greater Bank, the program will award one deserving recipient with $10,000 and each of the eight finalists with $1,000 to support their creative aspirations.
All nine finalists will also have the opportunity to receive mentorship from a leader within their specific field, enhancing their growth and impact in the creative landscape.
Façon Australia's founder and editor-in-chief, Lara Lupish, said it's a pleasure to see the program grow and the calibre of mentors in the program.
"Having such incredible mentors joining our program this year ensures our creative finalists are supported by some of the best in their industries," she said.
"Each mentor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring the scholarship finalists receive invaluable insights and guidance."
NGM Group head of community and sustainability, Kirrah McClelland, - of which Greater Bank is a part - said the vast experience of the mentors was exciting.
"The scholarship mentors are leaders in their fields who know what it takes to succeed and navigate the industry," she said.
"Sharing your journey with someone who has walked that path before is an incredible opportunity, and one that I know our finalists will benefit so much from."
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 people who reside in New South Wales are invited to submit their application for the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship program online before 1 May 2025.
Scholarship recipient will be announced on 10 July at a special event during NAIDOC Week.
For more fashion, culture, arts and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
