FIRST NATIONS ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
The First Nations Engagement Programme provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, fashion designers, artists, performers and professionals to showcase their talent, build their careers and connect with larger audiences.
The programme is designed to provide employment pathways within the fashion industry that support First Nations self determination and promote a greater understanding and appreciation of their rich cultural heritage – all in collaboration
and consultation with First Nations community.
PROGRAMME INCLUDES
First Nations Runway: a dedicated Premium Runway for emerging First Nations designers and artisans
Designer Integration: spotlighting established First Nations designers across the entire Premium Runway Series
Career Pathways: paid Festival roles and mentoring for First Nations creative, marketing and event professionals
First Nations Performers: showcasing a rich schedule of First Nations music performers and entertainers throughout our programme
Independent Events: supporting local First Nations creatives to participate in our grassroots Independent Programme
2026 PATHWAYS PROGRAMME
With the support of Architectus, Slattery and Godfrey Hirst x Dreamtime Flooring, central to this Programme is the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival x Mob in Fashion Pathways Programme, which creates paid placements for First Nations creatives and event professionals across the Festival.
Participants of the Pathways Programme will be instrumental in delivering one of 2026’s most powerful shows in our Premium Runway Series, the Beyond Blak Runway curated by Mob in Fashion.
Applications now open for 2026
INSIDE 2025 PROGRAMME
“Supporting First Nations designers has been the highlight of our four-year partnership with the Festival, and the Back in Blak runway is a firm favourite on our yearly calendar.”
Ruth Wilson, Architectus Principal, CCO and Sector Leader Public
“We’re proud to have supported PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s First Nations Engagement Programme for five consecutive years. Partnerships like this play a powerful role in driving lasting change – by celebrating culture through design, amplifying First Nations voices, and creating real pathways for emerging talent.”
Sarah Slattery, Director, Partnerships and Innovation, Slattery
“Our partnership with the Festival’s First Nations Engagement Programme reflects the spirit driving Dreamtime Flooring x Godfrey Hirst: collaboration, respect and breakthrough visibility. We’re honoured to amplify First Nations creativity, support employment pathways in fashion and design, and help more people experience the power of Country-informed storytelling.”
Joel Williamson, National Commercial Sales Manager, Godfrey Hirst
