The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship will celebrate a major milestone in 2027, marking five years of nurturing Indigenous art, creativity, culture and storytelling across New South Wales.
Created by Façon Australia and proudly supported by us, the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, also known as the Djuyalgal Scholarship, meaning “the one who is telling the story” in the local 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.
Applications for the fifth annual scholarship will officially open on Thursday, 22 October 2026, with the milestone year to be launched at a special media event at 9.30am at The Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus.
As part of its continued investment in Indigenous voices and storytelling, we will again award one outstanding recipient $10,000 to support their creative journey.
For the third consecutive year, we 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,” Lara 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.
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.
Kirrah McClelland, NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability, of which Greater Bank is a part, said:
“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,” Kirrah said.
“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.
“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.
"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.
Applications for the 2027 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship open Thursday, 22 October 2026 and close at midnight AEDT on 7 March 2027.
Further information and application details will be available via Façon Australia at faconaustralia.com/about and faconaustralia.com/apply.