Arts

First Nations Pathway Program to continue opening doors for Indigenous artists

Callan Morse - June 20, 2025

Trawlwoolway musician DENNI is one of eight Indigenous artists selected for the 2025 First Nations Pathway Program. (Image: Big Sound)

An initiative designed to support and empower emerging Indigenous artists has been renewed for an additional three years.

First launched in 2022, the First Nations Pathway Program, a collaboration between Mushroom Group and Coles, has provided career-shaping experiences to up-and-coming First Nations artists through one-on-one mentoring, masterclass workshops, and live performance opportunities.

This year eight emerging artists from across the country will participate in the program.

They include DENNI (TAS), Drifting Clouds (Terry Guyala) (NT), Ian Buller (QLD), Loki Liddle (Selve) (GC), Nidala (NSW), Ricky Neil Jr (WA), Ruby Mae (VIC), and Sascha Astrid (VIC).

Acclaimed artists Nooky and Barkaa are set to join the program as mentors to share their valuable insight and industry expertise.

*2025 First Nations Pathway Program participants. (Image: supplied)*

Since its establishment, the First Nations Pathway Program has provided opportunities for artists to perform at major events including the AFL Awards, the NRL Indigenous Round, Essendon Football Club's 150th Anniversary, and the Coles National Managers Conference.

Participant's original songs have also been featured on Coles Radio, reaching over 16 million weekly shoppers in more than 800 stores nationwide.

Earlier this year, 2024 participants Kaybee and Birren took centre stage at the MCG, bringing their powerful voices and musical talent to the AFL's Dreamtime at the G' match as part of the First Nations Pathway Program.

"I moved to Melbourne two years ago to pursue my dreams, so it means a lot that I get to live it," Kaybee said.

"Performing for a crowd that size was truly unforgettable."

*Paul Kelly, Birren, Kaybee and Briggs. (Image: Mushroom Creative House)*

Kaybee and Birren joined the likes of Briggs, Paul Kelly, Barkaa, Kobie Dee and BIG NOTER for the blockbuster clash, performing for 76,051 thousand people.

"Performing at the MCG was an incredible experience," Birren said.

"I didn't think I would ever play in front of that many people, so I'm grateful for the opportunity."

The First Nations Pathway Program is an initiative developed by Mushroom Creative House.

More information about the program is available online.