Instagram and Screen Australia have announced the recipients of the 2023 First Nations Creator Program, which aims to support emerging First Nations talent in the social media industry. The program, in its third edition, received applications earlier this year and selected fifteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social media creators.
The First Nations Creator Program, a collaboration between Screen Australia’s First Nations Department and Instagram Australia, provides training sessions, workshops, and production funding to the chosen creators. The program covers various topics such as Reels best practice, Metaverse technologies, business-building, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Copyright Property, and optimized finances. The recipients will also benefit from mentored guidance, collaborative learning, and industry connections.
The program intends to empower First Nations creators and equip them with the skills, information, and tools necessary to grow their online communities, build their brands, and establish long-term careers in social media and digital content creation. The goal is to amplify a diverse range of voices and provide opportunities for creators to expand their networks and reach new audiences.
Angela Bates, Head of First Nations at Screen Australia, expressed her excitement for this year’s cohort, highlighting the positive impact the program will have on their careers. She emphasized that the program serves as a pipeline into the broader screen industry, enabling the creators to develop their content creation skills and gain confidence in expanding their reach.
Kirsty Wilson, Creator Partnerships Lead for Meta (the parent company of Instagram), reiterated the importance of amplifying diverse voices on the platform. She explained that the program aims to empower First Nations creators and provide them with the necessary information and tools to grow their online communities and careers. Wilson expressed eagerness to witness the continued success and growth of the program’s participants.
The 2023 First Nations Creator Program recipients will have access to industry contacts, including Instagram and Screen Australia representatives, as well as leading First Nations creatives. The program will also feature special guests, panel sessions, and opportunities for collaboration with institutions like the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
The announcement of the First Nations Creator Program recipients marks another milestone in Instagram and Screen Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting and promoting diversity in the social media industry. With the guidance, training, and financial support provided by the program, these emerging First Nations creators have an opportunity to showcase their talent, build their brands, and contribute to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
