Epson has extended its technology and sustainability agreement to support First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), the NFP Indigenous Corporation whose goal is promoting the growth of the Indigenous fashion sector and in addition launched the inaugural Epson and FNFD Designer-in-Residency Program with its first two awarded recipients.
Epson Australia MD, Craig Heckenberg said, “Our extended relationship with FNFD and the launch of the Designer-in-Residency Program is a result of a natural extension of our partnership that allows Epson Australia to play a key role in a number of FNFD strategic initiatives which support and empower emerging First Nation fashion and textile designers in Cairns and the surrounding regions”.
FNFD founder and chairperson, Grace Lillian Lee said, “The Designer-in-Residency Program is such an important opportunity to provide deep, tailored support for emerging First Nations designers. This year’s recipients bring unique talent and vision to the program and we look forward to walking alongside them as they continue their creative journeys”.
The Designer-in-Residency Program has been created to empower First Nations emerging and established fashion and textile designers by providing essential resources, mentorship and support from Epson and FNFD to refine their creative practices and grow their businesses.
The program aims to foster cultural expression and sustainability through textile design, build business capacity, production skills and and create opportunities for national exposure through the FNFD Fashion Showcase in 2026.
The first two recipients who have been awarded places on the Designer-in-Residency Program are Ivy Minniecon and Lisa Lui.
The Designer-in-Residency Program is funded and fully supported by Epson and includes a broad curriculum of classes, education, mentoring and training in cultural and creative research, digital textile design exploration and printing technical development, textile collection development, and business and branding marketing. This culminates in a mid-residency showcase, garment sampling and production, collaboration and innovation and a final collection completion of the 2026 FNFD fashion showcase at the 2026 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
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