ARISE is a professional development program supporting Aboriginal artists and cultural practitioners in regional and remote NSW through workshops, mentoring and creative business development.

What is Arise

ARISE is a professional development program supporting Aboriginal artists to grow their creative practice into a sustainable business. Beginning in June 2026, the program will support selected artists through workshops, mentoring and practical industry development opportunities.

Through hands-on workshops, practical tools, and industry connections, participants will build confidence in their work, strengthen their brand, and develop the skills needed to present and sell their work professionally.

What’s Included

A structured professional development program delivered across 4 months, combining workshops, mentoring, practical activities and industry support.

Program Schedule

10 June — Introduction Session
Program overview, introductions and goal setting.

24 June — Arts Law with Suzanne Derry
Creative practice development and professional insights.

8 July — Goal Setting & Introduction to Marketing with Lorrayne
Developing clear artistic and business goals while building foundational marketing skills.

22 July — YARPA Workshop (title to be confirmed)
Focused industry and cultural development session.

12 August — Brand Implementation Workshop with Yirra Maya
Practical branding strategies to strengthen artistic identity and professional presentation.

26 August — Statutory Obligations with Lorrayne
Understanding the business requirements of professional creative practice including ABNs, tax, invoicing and compliance.

16 September — Final Pitch & Program Debrief
Participants present their work, reflect on program outcomes and prepare for future opportunities.

Participants Will Receive

  • Tailored workshops and mentoring

  • Practical business and marketing skills

  • Branding and professional development support

  • A comprehensive workbook to guide learning throughout the program

  • Access to session recordings and resources

  • Opportunities to connect with artists, mentors and industry networks

  • Support preparing for Here Now and Always 2026/27

What You’ll Gain

  • Confidence to talk about and sell your work

  • Clear understanding of your brand and artistic direction

  • Practical skills to manage your creative business

  • Experience preparing for major events and opportunities

  • A pathway toward participation in Here Now and Always 2026/27

Who It’s For

ARISE is for Aboriginal artists who are:

  • Ready to take their practice to the next level

  • Interested in developing business and sales skills

  • Committed to participating in a structured program

  • Open to learning, sharing, and applying new skills

What’s Expected

Participants are expected to:

  • Attend and actively participate in sessions

  • Complete workbook activities

  • Apply learning between sessions

  • Engage with the group and program facilitators

  • Work towards preparing for Here Now and Always 2026/27

How to Apply

Participants will be selected through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

APPLY NOW

Program Outcome

By the end of ARISE, participants will have:

  • A stronger, more confident creative practice

  • Tools and systems to support their work

  • Experience preparing for and engaging in professional opportunities

  • The opportunity to be considered for Here Now and Always 2026/27