Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
The Tri-Nations Exchange Program is an international cultural exchange opportunity for First Nations creatives in Australia working in fashion, textiles, and adornment. It supports long-term Indigenous-led collaboration with peers in Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada through residencies, workshops, and cross-border creative exchange from 2026 to 2028.
Overview
The Tri-Nations Exchange Program is a multi-year international exchange initiative designed for First Nations creatives based in Australia. The program connects Indigenous practitioners with peers in Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada to foster deep cultural, professional, and creative collaboration.
Rather than a short-term residency, the program is structured to support sustained engagement across countries, enabling participants to build long-lasting relationships, share Indigenous knowledge systems, and strengthen global creative networks rooted in First Nations leadership.
Purpose and Vision of the Program
The program aims to elevate Indigenous creative practice on an international stage while reinforcing cultural exchange grounded in Indigenous worldviews.
Key objectives include:
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Strengthening global Indigenous creative connections
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Supporting First Nations leadership in international creative ecosystems
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Encouraging knowledge-sharing across cultures and geographies
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Enabling long-term professional growth and collaboration
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Amplifying Indigenous voices through creative practice
The exchange prioritises depth, reciprocity, and continuity over one-off international exposure.
Creative Disciplines and Focus Areas
The Tri-Nations Exchange Program is specifically designed for First Nations creatives working in:
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Fashion design
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Textiles and fibre-based practices
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Adornment and wearable art
Eligible applicants may include:
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Label owners
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Independent designers
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Industry professionals
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Adornment artists and cultural practitioners
The program recognises both contemporary and culturally grounded practices.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be a First Nations individual
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Be based in Australia
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Work professionally in fashion, textiles, or adornment
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Apply as an individual (groups and organisations are not eligible)
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Be in good standing with Creative Australia
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Have no overdue reports or outstanding debts with Creative Australia
Travel and Documentation Requirements
Applicants must also:
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Be available to travel to Darwin for approximately two weeks in early August 2026
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Be available for international travel to:
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Aotearoa New Zealand in 2027
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Canada in 2028
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Hold or be able to obtain a passport valid until at least January 2029
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Be eligible to secure all required international visas
Availability across all program stages is essential.
How the Program Works
The Tri-Nations Exchange Program is delivered over multiple years to ensure meaningful engagement and impact.
Program Structure
Participants will take part in:
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A residency and program activities in Darwin in early August 2026
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An international exchange with Indigenous creatives in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2027
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A further international exchange with Indigenous creatives in Canada in 2028
Program Activities
Across each location, participants will engage in:
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Residencies and studio-based practice
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Workshops and collaborative making
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Knowledge-sharing sessions
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Cultural exchange activities
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Professional networking within Indigenous creative communities
The focus is on co-creation, dialogue, and relationship-building.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Tri-Nations Exchange Program is significant because it centres Indigenous creatives as global cultural leaders.
It matters because it:
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Moves beyond extractive or short-term exchange models
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Invests in Indigenous-led international collaboration
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Supports long-term professional and cultural growth
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Strengthens cross-cultural Indigenous solidarity
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Expands global visibility for First Nations creative practice
The program creates space for Indigenous perspectives to shape global creative conversations.
Key Conditions and Responsibilities
Participants are expected to:
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Commit to the full multi-year program timeline
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Actively participate in all residencies and exchanges
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Engage respectfully in cross-cultural collaboration
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Represent First Nations creative leadership internationally
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Meet all reporting and participation requirements set by the program
Failure to meet eligibility or participation conditions may result in withdrawal from the program.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Applying as a group or organisation
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Applying without confirming availability for all travel periods
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Submitting applications while having overdue Creative Australia reports
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Overlooking passport validity requirements
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Underestimating the long-term commitment involved
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong applications typically:
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Clearly articulate the applicant’s creative practice
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Explain how international exchange will strengthen their work
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Demonstrate openness to collaboration and knowledge-sharing
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Show alignment with Indigenous values and leadership
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Emphasise long-term impact rather than short-term outcomes
Clarity of intent and commitment to sustained exchange are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Tri-Nations Exchange Program?
First Nations individuals based in Australia working in fashion, textiles, or adornment.
Are groups or organisations eligible?
No. The opportunity is open to individual applicants only.
Is the program limited to emerging creatives?
No. Designers, label owners, and industry professionals at different career stages may apply.
When does the program take place?
The program includes travel to Darwin in August 2026, Aotearoa New Zealand in 2027, and Canada in 2028.
Do I need a passport to apply?
You must hold or be able to obtain a passport valid until at least January 2029.
Can I apply if I have outstanding reports with Creative Australia?
No. Applicants must be in good standing with Creative Australia at the time of application.
Is this a short-term residency?
No. The program is designed as a long-term, multi-year exchange.
Conclusion
The Tri-Nations Exchange Program offers a rare and powerful opportunity for First Nations creatives to engage in sustained international collaboration with Indigenous peers in Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada. By prioritising long-term exchange, cultural leadership, and Indigenous worldviews, the program enables participants to expand their creative practice, build global networks, and contribute meaningfully to international Indigenous creative dialogue.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
