RELEASED 7 JULY 2022

Instagram are partnering with Screen Australia’s First Nations Department for a second year of the First Nations Creators Program, with an exciting, immersive production and education program to be held at Sydney’s Meta Headquarters.

The First Nations Creators Program aims to foster Indigenous talent, amplify their voices online and help create long term career prospects for First Nations creators in social media and digital content creation.

Up to ten emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander digital creators will be selected to take part in this intensive in-house Program over three days, which provides training, mentoring, career connections and content funding. Each creator will then be challenged to create their own series of Reels for Instagram, with content creation and delivery to happen within 6 weeks after the completion of the three day program.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for Instagram and Screen Australia funding under this program, applicants must:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

• Be over 18 years old

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Applicant companies must be incorporated and carrying on business in Australia

• Have an Instagram account and several years’ experience in social media or digital content creation

• Be able to join the program in person, in Sydney from 17th October 2022 – 19th October 2022

• Meet the general eligibility requirements set out in Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade.

• Meet Meta's standard partner safety and security checks

What support is available?

Successful applicants will enter the program, consisting of the following:

• Formal training, and practical workshops run by Meta, Screen Australia, and a series of external experts

• Inspiration sessions run by industry thought leaders and creators

• Group Feedback/Discussions as required, and collaboration with like-minded creators

• Creator Mentors – participants partner with a creator working in the area of interest

• Content funding pitch and production

• Access to Metas’ in-house studio, and professional crew for learning and development with the Meta production team

• Metaverse experience at Meta’s Experience Centre

Additional support:

• Introductions to industry contacts including creators, agents/management teams and brands

• Have access to an Executive Producer throughout the program to assist with the management of content creation, to be worked on, delivered to Screen Australia, and then posted to the participants own Instagram page, within 6 weeks of the in-person program completing.

• Travel to Sydney and return (if you live in another town or state) and accommodation for the week-long program (plus per diems – for the meals we can’t cater for)

• Candidates that successfully complete the program will receive production funding of $5,000 plus equipment to help them create a Reels project series for their Instagram account

• Creators will also be assigned an Instagram Partner Manager for at least 6 months after completion of the program, to assist with their account needs, and provide on-going education, support and platform opportunities.

When and how can applications be made?

Applications close 5pm AEDT 25 August 2022 and can be made via the application portal.

What needs to be included in the application?

• Fully completed application form including contact details and applicant eligibility.

• Social account details (account name, followers etc.) – Instagram, Facebook Page, TikTok, YouTube

• What type of creator you are, i.e. comedy, beauty, advocacy.

• What inspires your content creation.

• Your goals for your social media presence.

• Which First Nations creators you look up to/follow.

• A one-minute downloadable video sharing a bit about yourself, your Instagram account and how you connect with communities on Instagram.

How are applications assessed?

Once we receive your application, a member of our team will review to ensure it’s complete and meets all eligibility requirements. They’ll contact you with any questions, or requests for more information. Complete and eligible applications will be reviewed by Screen Australia and Instagram executives, and external industry specialists as required.

Assessment Criteria

Screen Australia and Instagram will take the following equally weighted criteria into account when considering applications for First Nations Creators Program:

• Your Social Media Account Metrics including Engagement Rate, Posting Frequency, Video Performance and Growth Rate

• The creativity of the content shared on your social media accounts

• Your content creation ability shared on your social media accounts

• The ability to share your unique point of view and authenticity on social media accounts

• The written answers and material sent in with your submission Applicants will be advised of the outcome by 23 September 2022.

Terms of Funding

If your application is successful, the following key terms and conditions will apply:

• Screen Australia funding is provided as a grant. See Screen Australia’s Terms of Trade for more detail.

• Meet Meta's partner safety and security checks including standard police check.

• Agree to the terms of Meta’s Marketing Release Form for Individuals.

• Participants will need to submit a minimum of 3 x reels as part of their deliverables within 6 weeks of completing the course.

• Be available to attend in person for the entire duration of the Program 17th October 2022 – 19th October 2022

If you are unsure about your eligibility or have questions about the application form, please email us at at firstnations@screenaustralia.gov.au or call Program Operations on 1800 507 901. Please note that we are not able to provide creative advice or suggestions to strengthen your application.