Recipients of new First Nations Creator Program announced by Screen Australia and Instagram

17 09 2021 - Media release Recipients of new First Nations Creator Program announced by Screen Australia and Instagram

Design by Jessica Johnson, Nungala Creative

Fifteen of the top First Nations social media stars have been selected by Screen Australia and Instagram today, with the announcement of the 2021 recipients of a new training and funding program.

Launched earlier this year, the First Nations Creator Program is a 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 across the social media landscape.

The 15 selected recipients of the inaugural First Nations Creator Program are:

Andrea Fernandez (@prettyumvegan)

Kaycee Haydon (@officialmsauzzi)

Alicia Johnson (@8983aj)

Emily Johnson (@darthem123)

Trisha Lindgren (@fitwithtrish)

Nathan Lyons (@kookingwithakoori)

Vika Mana (@endlessyarning)

Meissa Mason (@meissamason)

Tait McGregor (@taitmcgregor)

Naarah (@n.a.a.r.a.h)

Nich Richie (@nichtopher)

Merinda Slater (@journeyofawinyarr)

Melissa Smith (@melle.ngunnawalartist)

Kantesha Takai (@kantesha_takai)

Sari-Ella Thaiday (@sarithaiday)

The Program will include training sessions and workshops commencing from 23 September, covering product, creativity, safety and well-being, along with mentored guidance on digital production and social media strategy. Creators will also receive production funding of $7,600 each, to help them create Reels or IGTV content for their Instagram account.

During the Program, the 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.

Graeme Mason, Screen Australia's Chief Executive Officer, said: We were incredibly impressed with the high level of applications we received from creators across the country and we are excited to announce our successful recipients today. We are constantly looking for new ways to support content creators on the platforms they are connecting with audiences on and the accessibility of social media allows us to, through this Program with Instagram Australia, nurture new voices and champion extraordinary First Nations creators. We look forward to this year's cohort creating new content and reaching new audiences on Instagram.

Zaac d'Almeida, Strategic Partnership Manager at Instagram Australia, said: It's been thrilling to witness the creativity of the many First Nations creators who applied for this inaugural program. The fifteen recipients for this year's program represent the diversity of emerging Indigenous creators who are using Instagram to amplify their voices and share their stories. We're proud to partner with Screen Australia and we look forward to seeing this new generation of creators develop their incredible perspectives in the months ahead.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES Amy Burgess | Senior Publicist, Screen Australia

[email protected]

Jeff McBride | Communications Manager, Instagram Australia

[email protected]

Media enquiries Amy Burgess | Senior Publicist

61 2 8113 5800 | 61 413 190 195 | [email protected]

Lidia Williams | Publicist and Events Officer

61 2 8113 1091 | 61 468 784 170 | [email protected]

All other general/non-media enquiries Sydney 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

LINK:	https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2021/09-17-rec...
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