Applications are now open for the 2027 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, which marks five years of supporting First Nations creativity across NSW.
The scholarship opened on Thursday, 22 October, and applications close at midnight AEDT on 7 March 2027.
Created by Façon Australia and supported by Principal Partner Greater Bank, the scholarship is also known as the Djuyalgal Scholarship. Djuyalgal means “the one who is telling the story” in the local Gathang language.
It connects emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives with financial support, industry mentorship, and chances to share their work with a wider audience.
Greater Bank will again award one outstanding recipient $10,000 to support their creative journey. For the third year in a row, it will also give each of the remaining eight finalists $1000.
Samantha Harris will join the scholarship as its 2027 Ambassador. The mentor line-up includes Damian Smith for dance, Melissa Greenwood of Miimi & Jiinda for fashion design, Cassie Leatham of Yanggurdi for accessory design, Warren Taggart for photography, Gerard Black for digital art, and Jake Gablonski for writing. More mentors are still to be announced.
Façon Founder and Editor-in-Chief Lara Lupish said the fifth year was a chance to celebrate how far the scholarship had come and look to 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.”
Greater Bank has backed the scholarship since it began. Kirrah McClelland, NGM Group Head of Community and Sustainability, said the bank was proud of that support.
“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,” Ms McClelland 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 helped further a multidisciplinary practice grounded in storytelling, connection, and shared experience.
“Winning the 2026 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship has been the greatest honour,” Ms Christie said.
“It means acknowledgment for my ancestors, acknowledgment of Country and acknowledgment for creative practice.”
She said the money would mean better supplies and a proper space to work.
“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 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.”
More information and application details are at faconaustralia.com/about and faconaustralia.com/apply
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.