“First Stories Collective is a literary intervention on our terms: Blak-led, Blak-built and unapologetically ambitious. We know what’s possible when First Nations creatives have the resources and authority to determine what comes next.”
— Bebe Oliver, Blak & Bright CEO
We’re looking for partners with the courage to invest in that future with us.
By supporting First Stories Collective, you are helping grow a First Nations-led literary ecosystem built on cultural authority, care and collective strength
Make a one-off or recurring contribution to support Blak-led work.
Access and Participation
Fund a regional or remote First Nations writer, illustrator or freelance publishing professional to attend the First Stories Collective biennial gatherings in Magandjin (Brisbane) or Warrang (Sydney), or to participate in professional development.
Allocation: travel, accommodation and per diems.
Seeding Stories Fund
Seeding Stories resources Blak-led collaboration across the sector. It recognises that creativity flourishes when people are given the resources and trust to shape their own projects.
Allocation: Grants of $10,000 to First Nations storytellers, writers, illustrators, artists and freelance publishing professionals working collaboratively on a project. Funding may cover creator fees, on-Country trips, travel, project materials or editorial costs.
Future Fund
First Stories Collective is just getting started and there is much work to be done. The Collective has the ambition to become a peak body for First Nations literature. Founding Partners will help build our future, investing in the people, infrastructure and Blak leadership needed to create lasting change.
Allocation: Operational costs, including salaries and fees for First Nations staff and creatives, production costs, marketing, administration and overheads to embed the Collective nationally.
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First Stories Collective acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which our partners, creators and communities live, work and share stories. We pay respect to Elders past and present and recognise that these lands always were and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.
First Stories Collective is delivered in partnership by Blak & Bright and Magabala Books, with support from the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Artwork by ENOKi