Screen Australia and Instagram Australia have proven that providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social media creators is at the top of their list; announcing their new partnership in the way of the First Nations Creator Program.

At its core, the First Nations Creator Program aims to accelerate up-and-coming local talent and amplify diverse voices across the social media landscape. The new program will allow Indigenous creators the chance to participate in months of mentoring, training and content funding that will assist in further platforming their work and creative talents. The training sessions and workshops will cover product, creativity, safety and well-being, along with mentored guidance on digital production and social media strategy. The selected creators will also receive production funding of $7,600 each, to help with creating Reels or IGTV content for their Instagram account.

“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," shared Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations, Penny Smallacombe, in a statement.

"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.”

Screen Australia’s First Nations department and Instagram Australia have also recognised the importance of networking through the First Nations Creator Program; providing opportunities for creators to be connected with key industry contacts, management teams, leading First Nations creatives, and other established social media creators. After the program comes to an end, the selected creatives will continue their growth on the platform with the assistance of an assigned Instagram partner manager.

Up to 15 First Nations creators will be selected to participate in this year’s First Nations Creator Program, with successful applicants being announced in August. You can find all the details on how to apply on the Screen Australia website.