First Stories Collective brings together First Nations writers, storytellers, illustrators, editors, publishers, cultural leaders, librarians, educators, arts workers and other literary professionals from across the continent.

The Collective is based on the shared understanding that story is not simply a creative act or a product. Stories hold living relationships to Country, culture, community, ancestors and future generations. The systems surrounding our storytelling must honour these relationships, not rush, extract or diminish them.

First Stories Collective creates spaces for connection, dialogue, learning and collective action. It is a living network, continuing to evolve through community guidance, cultural leadership and shared responsibility.

The Collective is built on responsibility—to culture, community and each other.

“No story is solely ours—we tell it with our families, communities and ancestors.”

The Collective will bring together writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, cultural leaders and other literary professionals to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, deliver advocacy and professional development, grow culturally grounded pathways and create long-term change across the literary sector.

Funded by Creative Australia, First Stories Collective’s work will span four connected pillars: 

• Gathering and connection: Biennial national gatherings, ‘Blak Labs’ and professional development opportunities that bring creators and sector leaders together.

• Opportunity and access: Promote initiatives designed to reduce financial and geographic barriers and connect creators with funding, residencies, networks and industry opportunities.

• Visibility and exchange: Promotion of First Nations creators and literature at festivals, industry events, across digital platforms and national and international networks.

• Leadership and sector change: First Nations-led advocacy and guidance supporting ethical publishing, ICIP protection, fair recognition and stronger accountability.
  

Registration is now open for Blak creators from every corner of the country, across all genres and storytelling mediums to join the Collective.

Supporters of the Collective are encouraged to stand alongside Blak creatives through financial, in-kind and advocacy support, to help build the infrastructure First Nations literature deserves, resource Blak-led opportunities and sustain long-term sector change.

For more information and to join or support First Stories Collective, visit firststoriescollective.com or follow First Stories Collective on Instagram @firststoriescollective