NOMINATIONS are now being called for the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship.
The scholarship – known as Djuyalgal in the traditional Gathang language of the Worimi People – is a program created by Façon Australia, with support from Greater Bank, and consists of nine differing creative discipline categories.
These include fashion design, accessory design, art painting, music, dance, writing, digital art, film, and photography.
The scholarship’s mission is to connect regional communities to Indigenous expression and art through supporting the culture, arts and creativity of Australia’s First Nations people.
Building upon its inaugural initiative, Façon Australia, has announced the launch of the second annual Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with Greater Bank again supporting the initiative.
Greater Bank will provide a $10,000 scholarship to support the winner’s creative aspirations, with guidance from Murrook Cultural Centre.
For the first time in 2025, Greater Bank will also recognise the other eight finalists with $1000 each.
The winner also receives a mentoring session with a leading voice from their creative discipline and guidance from the Murrook Cultural Centre, and the use of the centre’s facilities.
The finalists, one from each field, will get to share their craft and obtain sound advice from a leader in their field.
An independent panel comprising leaders in the Indigenous and artistic communities will select a finalist from each category.
The scholarship program is designed to celebrate, sustain and grow Indigenous art and design in New South Wales.
In 2024, the program unearthed a wealth of creative talent across New South Wales, from which the committee had the unenviable task of selecting nine finalists and the eventual scholarship recipient.
The Indigenous Storyteller Scholarship was last year awarded to singer-songwriter and Dharug woman, Ruby Shay. Based on the Central Coast, Ruby uses her personal experiences and powerful voice to create songs that deeply resonate with listeners.
Using music as a form of therapy to escape to a world of make-believe and feel less alone, she plans to use the $10,000 scholarship towards releasing an album.
“I truly believe that if we are given the gift of storytelling, that it is our duty and purpose, that we owe it to the universe to share it,” Ruby said.
Apply here: Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship
