Blak & Bright and Magabala Books announce the First Stories Collective
Blak & Bright and Magabala Books have announced the establishment of the First Stories Collective.
The collective will support Creative Australia as the delivery partner in providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and illustrators.
According to the organisers, ‘The First Stories Collective will build a stronger, more connected and more vibrant First Nations literature sector by delivering tailored support, hosting a biennial national gathering of First Nations writers and illustrators, and creating further opportunities for networking and capacity building.’
The First Stories Collective will:
- champion the work of First Nations writers and illustrators across Australia and internationally
- grow and sustain partnerships, provide sector-wide leadership
- create pathways for Blak voices to be published and amplified
- provide trusted cultural advice and professional referrals for publishers, festivals and organisations seeking authentic engagement with First Nations voices.
Blak & Bright CEO and artistic director, Bebe Oliver said, ‘There’s such exceptional talent in the First Nations writing space in Australia, which we’ve seen time and time again through our festival since 2016. As we look to building a stronger future, we’re proud to be leading the First Stories Collective to continue supporting our writers year-round.’
Magabala Books CEO Lilly Brown said, ‘As Australia’s leading First Nations publisher, we’re in a unique position to support Blak writers and publishing professionals. The First Stories Collective is an exciting way to continue our work in this space, supporting Blak & Bright and ensuring that the incredible work of our storytellers is seen, heard, and valued across the industry and beyond.’
Research and development with First Nations arts workers and creatives has begun ‘to ensure the collective is shaped directly by community priorities and cultural values’, said organisers.
Requests for more information can be made to Magabala lead publicist Chloe Mills.
Category: Local news News
