David Bridges
Ten of the top emerging First Nations social media talent have been recognised by Instagram and Screen Australia in the second edition of the First Nations Creator Program.
Opening for applications earlier this year, the First Nations Creator Program is an initiative in partnership between Screen Australia’s First Nations department and Instagram Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social media Creators, aimed at accelerating up-and-coming local talent and amplifying diverse voices to help create long-term career prospects in social media and digital content creation.
The recipients of the 2022 First Nations Creator Program are:
This year’s program includes training sessions and workshops from 17-19 October, covering Reels best practice, Metaverse technologies, business-building, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Copyright Property, optimised finances, and much more, facilitated by mentored guidance and collaborative learning. Creators will also receive production funding of $5,000 each, to help establish their platform and grow their Instagram account.
Like last year’s program, Creators will be encouraged to build their brand and initiate sustainable techniques to grow their business, tapping into key industry contacts including Instagram and Screen Australia representatives, and leading First Nations creatives including Bianca Hunt, Jarin Street, Meissa Mason, Ian Zaro and Melissa Smith-Haimona, to set themselves up for success. Special guest creatives also include actress Sherry-Lee Watson from Netflix’s Heartbreak High, and Nathan McGuire, Australia’s most in-demand male model and founder of Mob in Fashion.
“We are really excited to announce these year’s talented participants in the 2022 First Nations Creator Program,” said Kirsty Wilson, Creator Partnerships Lead, Meta Australia and New Zealand. “As a brand, Instagram is steadfast in its mission to empower First Nations Creators and equip them with the tools needed to grow their online presence and build meaningful communities within the creator economy. We’re looking forward to seeing these creators continue to flourish and watch their infectious creativity hit our Reels feeds with renewed vigour.”
“Congratulations to these imaginative and inspiring creators who’ve been selected for this year’s program. Screen Australia is proud to champion First Nations digital storytelling, and we look forward to seeing the group develop their skills in the workshop and enhance their ability to connect with audiences around the world on Instagram,” said Angela Bates, Head of First Nations, Screen Australia.
Mason Thompson
