Epson has extended its technology and sustainability agreement to support First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD) and launched the inaugural Epson and FNFD Designer-in-Residency Program with its first two awarded recipients.
"Our extended relationship with FNFD and the launch of the Designer-in-Residency Program is a result of a natural extension of our partnership that allows Epson Australia to play a key role in a number of FNFD strategic initiatives which support and empower emerging First Nation fashion and textile designers in Cairns and the surrounding regions," said Epson Australia MD, Craig Heckenberg.
FNFD founder and chairperson, Grace Lillian Lee said the Designer-in-Residency Program is "such an important opportunity to provide deep, tailored support for emerging First Nations designers".
"This year's recipients bring unique talent and vision to the program and we look forward to walking alongside them as they continue their creative journeys," she said.
The Designer-in-Residency Program has been created to empower First Nations emerging and established fashion and textile designers by providing essential resources, mentorship and support from Epson and FNFD to refine their creative practices and grow their businesses.
The program aims to foster cultural expression and sustainability through textile design, build business capacity, production skills and creative confidence and create opportunities for national exposure through the FNFD Fashion Showcase in 2026.
The first two recipients who have been awarded places on the Designer-in-Residency Program are Ivy Minniecon and Lisa Lui.
As a descendant of the Kuku Yalanji, Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander Nations, Minniecon's art practice is deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
Her work is also a testament to sense of place, connection and belonging to Country. The primary focus of her work is the Yalanji weave of the balji, a traditional bag made from the kakan of the duwar (Black Palm), native to the Daintree Rainforest.
More recently, her weaving practice has also incorporated traditional grass skirts.
"I am grateful to God and my ancestors for leading my path into places I have only dreamed of. This opportunity is a dream come true and divine timing as I have always wanted to contribute to the First Nation Fashion Industry," said Minniecon said.
Lui, a proud Dauareb woman and fashion designer from the Eastern Torres Strait Islands, captivated audiences at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair fashion performance with her abstract art collection 'Nener' in 2024 and 'Bulubulu' in 2025.
Inspired by the deep connection to her heritage and the memory of her late father and mother, Lisa's work is a vivid homage to the cultural legacy she carries and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the land for future generations.
"I am truly blessed for this opportunity to be part of the Residency program with FNFD and Epson. Fashion is something that I always wanted to explore. It is a privilege and honour to be able to share my Torres Strait culture through fashion and art," she said.
The Designer-in-Residency Program is funded and fully supported by Epson and includes a broad curriculum of classes, education, mentoring and training in cultural and creative research, digital textile design exploration and printing technical development, textile collection development, and business and branding marketing.
This culminates in a mid-residency showcase, garment sampling and production, collaboration and innovation and a final collection completion of the 2026 FNFD fashion showcase at the 2026 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
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