20 05 2021 - Media release
First Nations social media stars to receive funding & training with new creator program
Design by Jessica Johnson, Nungala Creative
Applications are now open for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social media creators to participate in a new program over multiple months including mentoring, training and content funding. Launched in partnership between Screen Australia’s First Nations department and Instagram Australia, the First Nations Creator Program will accelerate up-and-coming local talent and amplify diverse voices across the social media landscape.
The First Nations Creator Program will involve training sessions and workshops covering product, creativity, safety and well-being, along with mentored guidance on digital production and social media strategy. During the Program, creators will receive production funding of $7,600 each, to help them create Reels or IGTV content for their Instagram account.
Selected creators will also be connected to key industry contacts including Instagram and Screen Australia representatives, management teams, leading First Nations creatives, and other established social media creators. Upon completion of the program, participants will each be assigned an Instagram partner manager to continue their journey on the platform. Up to 15 First Nations creators will be selected to participate in this year’s First Nations Creator Program, with successful applicants announced in August.
To apply, creators need to be over 18 years of age and identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Creators must have experience in social media or digital video content creation and be available for regular training and mentoring for the duration of the Program. Each application will need to include a short one-minute video about yourself, your Instagram account, details on the content you create including your inspiration and goals for your social media presence, and the communities you connect with on social media.
Applications are now open and will close 5:00pm AEST, 17 June 2021. For further details and full eligibility requirements, please see full Guidelines here
First Nations creators are encouraged to apply here
Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations Penny Smallacombe said, “First Nations people are the oldest storytellers in the world and social media has made creating and sharing content easier than ever, with creators able to immediately connect with followers through their social networks. We are excited to partner with Instagram Australia so we can identify and nurture new voices on this platform, support extraordinary First Nations content creators and have their unique stories reach a global audience. I can't wait to see what fresh and authentic voices come through the First Nations Creator Program.”
“The strength of social media is its ability to amplify new voices and foster creativity from diverse communities,” said Zaac d’Almeida, Strategic Partnership Manager at Instagram Australia. “Whether it’s storytelling, artistry, humour or advocacy—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are using Instagram to make their voices heard. It’s never been more important to bolster our support of First Nations voices, and today we are proud to partner with Screen Australia’s First Nations team in launching this Creator Program.”
For creators seeking more information regarding applications you can read the Guidelines here before contacting Screen Australia’s Program Operations team here
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Jeff McBride | Instagram Australia
[email protected]
Media enquiries
Maddie Walsh | Publicist
+ 61 2 8113 5915 | [email protected]
Ted Rose | Senior Publicist
+ 61 2 8113 1091 | + 61 456 558 679 | ted.rose@screenaustralia.gov.au
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]