Scholarship Announces Distinguished Indigenous Mentors Including Mitch Tambo And Samantha Harris
The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, an initiative by Façon Magazine and generously supported by Greater Bank, is thrilled to introduce the esteemed mentors for the 2024 program.
This year’s mentors include a talented lineup featuring Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy), Nicole Chaffey (artist and Museum Gallery Director), Samantha Harris (international supermodel), Milly Hooper (photographer and exhibitor at Head On Photo Festival), Mitch Tambo (World Musician), Sidney Saltner (Youth Program Director, Bangarra Dance), Travis De Vries (digital artist and illustrator), Stephen Page (Director of Spear), and Professor Chelsea Watego (author of Another Day in the Colony).
Mitch Tambo, hailed as “the new voice of our generation”, is one of Australia’s most electrifying First Nations entertainers and now an international sensation in the World Music scene.
In support of the scholarship, Mr Tambo stated “It’s so important to be able to create spaces that identify talent, and nurture that talent.
“Storytelling is a massive part of our culture. It’s one of the main ways Indigenous people have kept our culture alive and nurtured it to be the oldest living continual culture on the planet.
“Art, music and dance is at the forefront of this so to be a part of it in 2024 really excites me. I’m really excited to see what all the finalists are going to showcase for the scholarship.
“I want to help the winners shape what they need to achieve, as well as shape our story.”
The program will award one deserving recipient with $10,000 to support their creative aspirations, while all nine finalists will have the unique opportunity to receive mentorship from a leader within their specific field, further enhancing their growth and impact in the creative landscape.
Façon Magazine’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Lara Lupish said it is a pleasure to see the program grow, and the calibre of mentors.
“To see the 2024 program grow after the success of last year’s scholarship, having such immense mentors joining our program this year gives it even more scope and reach for our creative finalists,” Ms Lupish said.
“Each mentor brings a wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields, ensuring the scholarship finalists receive invaluable insights and guidance.”
Greater Bank Chief Distribution Officer, Emma Brokate said that the breadth of experience amongst the mentors was exciting.
“For someone looking to build a career in the creative industries, having a mentor who has walked that path before them is invaluable,” Ms Brokate said.
“The scholarship mentors are leaders in their fields who know what it takes to succeed and how to navigate the industry.
“There’s a real buzz about the work being produced by First Nations creatives, and we know that the scholarship recipients are going to receive amazing advice and guidance.”
The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is dedicated to fostering creativity and providing a platform for Indigenous voices in various creative sectors including writing, dance, music, photography, filmmaking, art painting, fashion design, accessory design and digital art.
Indigenous individuals who reside in NSW are invited to submit their applications online until the deadline on 18 April 2024, with the scholarship recipient to be announced on 11 July during NAIDOC Week.
For more information about the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship and its mentorship program, please visit https://www.faconaustralia.com/scholarship/