arts

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship to celebrate five years of First Nations creativity

Phoebe Blogg Published October 25, 2026 at 11.00am (AWST)

Behind the scenes at the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship event. (Image: supplied)

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship celebrates five years of nurturing Indigenous art, creativity, culture and storytelling across New South Wales in 2027, with applications for the milestone fifth year officially opening last Thursday.

Created by Façon Australia and proudly supported by Principal Partner Greater Bank, the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, also known as the Djuyalgal Scholarship, meaning "the one who is telling the story" in the Gathang language, connects emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives with financial support, industry mentorship and opportunities to share their work with a wider audience.

As part of its continued investment in Indigenous voices and storytelling, Greater Bank will again award one outstanding recipient $10,000 to support their creative journey.

For the third consecutive year, Greater Bank will also recognise the remaining eight finalists with $1,000 each.

Façon founder and Editor-in-Chief Lara Lupish said reaching the five-year milestone was an opportunity to celebrate how far the scholarship had come while looking towards its future.

"Five years ago, we set out to create something that would give emerging Indigenous creatives a platform to be seen, heard and supported, but the scholarship has grown to become so much more than that," Ms Lupish said.

"It has become a community of artists, storytellers, mentors and industry leaders who genuinely want to see the next generation succeed. To see past finalists continue to develop their practice, build careers and share their stories is incredibly special.

"As we enter our fifth year, we want to honour everyone who has been part of the journey so far while opening the door for another group of incredible creatives to take that next step."

Samantha Harris will join the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship as its 2027 Ambassador, championing the program as it celebrates its fifth year.

2026 recipient Jasmine Christie on stage at the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship event. (Image: Paul Dear)

The 2027 mentor line-up includes Damian Smith (Dance), Melissa Greenwood of Miimi & Jiinda (Fashion Design), Cassie Leatham of Yanggurdi (Accessory Design), Warren Taggart (Photography), Gerard Black (Digital Art), Jake Gablonski (Writing), and more to be announced.

"Greater Bank is proud to have supported Façon's Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship since its inception, helping emerging First Nations creatives build their practice, share their perspectives and connect with opportunities in the creative industries," said Kirrah McClelland, NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability, of which Greater Bank is a part.

"As the scholarship enters its fifth year, we're excited to help create another meaningful pathway for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives across NSW, ensuring their stories and creative expression are seen, heard and celebrated."

For 2026 recipient Jasmine Christie, the scholarship provided an opportunity to further a multidisciplinary practice grounded in storytelling, connection and shared experience.

2026 recipient Jasmine Christie. (Image: supplied)

"Winning the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship has been the greatest honour. It means acknowledgment for my ancestors, acknowledgment of Country and acknowledgment for creative practice," she said.

"This scholarship means better supplies to push my practice from emerging to professional, with a space to work within - one that allows me to work ergonomically with appropriate easels and stools rather than continuing to break my body through long hours on hard floors.

"It means continuing to offer community work for women to yarn and birth debrief via the healing therapy of art - providing the access postpartum mothers so desperately need: a village, connection and better mental health.

"It also solidifies the story that you are supported - that a group of people are rooting for you - which in itself, gives me the confidence to keep pushing with my creative practice. That recognition can create a pivotal moment in any artist's career."

Now entering its fifth year, the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship will continue to build on that legacy, creating meaningful pathways for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and ensuring First Nations stories, perspectives and creative expression are supported and celebrated.