Calling emerging First Nations writers and critics
For a third year InReview is partnering with CreateSA to offer a rare mentorship opportunity for an emerging First Nations writer based in South Australia.
Are you a First Nations creative with ambitions to be an arts reviewer, but don’t know where to start?
We recognise the importance of First Nations perspectives across the arts landscape, and the importance of nurturing and platforming emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in cultural conversations that bring essential depth and insight to performing arts, visual art, literature, and more across the state.
The InReview First Nations Mentorship program is designed to develop the next generation of First Nations arts critics in South Australia.
The mentoring program, in partnership with CreateSA (formerly Arts South Australia), connects experienced First Nations arts writers with emerging voices, as part of a program to strengthen coverage of arts and culture in South Australia. This collaboration will be facilitated through InReview (SA), a not-for-profit platform for rigorous and insightful arts journalism and cultural commentary in South Australia.
The successful mentee will work with First Nations mentor, K.A. Ren Wyld, an award-winning author and critic of Martu descent based on Kaurna Yerta, south of Adelaide. In 2024 Ren mentored Courtney Jaye, an emerging Ngarrindjeri writer and critic. Past recipients of the mentorship also include Wakka Wakka textile artist and curator Dameeli Coates, who worked with Mirning artist, writer and academic Ali Gumillya Baker; Ngarrindjeri writer and actor Leesha Cole, who was mentored by Meriam (Magaram), Wuthathi and Bindal Juru journalist and business woman Nancia Guivarra; and Kyron Weetra, a proud Nharangga/Saxon clan man who was guided by Jawoyn writer, visual artist and curator Troy-Anthony Baylis.
Jaye said her mentorship gave her valuable experience, guidance, and a platform.
“Through the mentorship, I have had so many experiences that I never thought I would have, both as a person and as a writer,” Jaye said. “I’ve read multiple books filled with Blak literature, attended comedy and art shows and interviewed an author who I have admired for a long time. I’ve witnessed my writing being called ‘a love letter to comedy’ by a comedian who I have adored since I first saw them and seen my words spread across multiple platforms online.”
Kyron Weetra reviewed a wide range of work as part of his mentorship during 2023/2024, from Adelaide Festival theatre performances to a fantasy graphic novel.
“To be given the opportunity to have a review published has always been a bit of a dream of mine and to be given that, along with all the tools and support needed to succeed, I am forever grateful for,” Weetra said.
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Taking part in the mentorship program during 2023/24, Leesha Cole said her involvement helped build her confidence and love for the medium.
“This opportunity has helped grow my literary knowledge, expanded my experience in the arts sector and my confidence in myself is higher and stronger than ever before. This was an amazing opportunity I hope continues for many more years so that many can learn and grow just like I have.”
Applications open May 12 and close June 6. Learn more and apply here, or contact us for more information: [email protected]