EQUIPMENT FOR INDIGENOUS CREATIVES

DPM Futures is an exciting new Creative, Personal and Professional Mentoring Program for a group of NSW-based emerging Indigenous Creatives.

Over the past 20 years, Desert Pea Media has unofficially mentored and trained several Indigenous young people from regional and remote communities. Guiding them through creative development and leadership processes, skills development, new career paths and even onto the national airwaves!

In 2024/25, DPM attracted some funding to deliver a customised, professional and personal development program. DPM Futures kicked off in December with an intensive Development Camp on Bundjalung Country, and since then - our four talented participants have been busy making magic!

We have identified the need to buy/upgrade some of their equipment to help them progress their creative practices, and unfortunately our funding doesn’t allow us to purchase equipment. That’s where you come in.

Who is DPM?

Desert Pea Media is a trailblazing creative cultural organization. Our distinctive model involves community-led creative projects with a focus on social impact and empowerment for Indigenous communities.

From 20 years of community engagement we have produced an archive of over 200 hundred songs, music videos, short films, documentaries, cultural events and live performances collaboratively with Indigenous communities across Australia.

These media productions are used as educational resources in schools and universities, both in Australia and internationally, and featured in museums, festivals, and exhibitions worldwide.

Beyond the direct benefits of our programs are wider ripples that effect families and community and engage diverse audiences. Through this process we aim to influence and inform perceptions of Indigenous Australia and challenge pre-conceptions of Australian identity.

The Crew:

In 2024, through a rigorous selection process, we brought on FOUR emerging Indigenous Creatives to participate in a 12-month development program.

Without further ado – let’s introduce these next generation of storytellers and leaders!

LORRAINE DUTTON aka LAWLESS (SONGWRITER)

Lor’s story is woven into the fabric of DPM’s. She’s a proud Barkindji woman, songwriter and mentor from Bourke/Broken Hill NSW. Lor met the DPM team at Bourke High School in 2017 and was part of the legendary B-Town Warriors (People of the Red Sunset/ Thundercloud etc etc).

In 2023 Lor was part of our “CROSSROADS” project in Bourke and re-ignited her songwriting practice. She ended up working at Bourke High School as creative mentor. Recently she has been spending time on her ancestral country and learning more about her Barkindji connection. Look out world – you’re not ready for the magic that is LAWLESS

COBY COCHRANE (FILMMAKER)

Coby is a Gamileroi man, originally from Walgett, but spent much of his life on the Central Coast. He is a talented filmmaker and uses this form to reconnect with Culture and learn about different mob’s stories.

We met Coby on a project in Coffs Harbour in 2021 and his enthusiasm resulted in the project turning into a training exercise with Coby learning lots of technical and creative skills from the DPM team. He has come a long way since then and now is working in the field, and hungry for knowledge and opportunity.

KEISHA MITCHELL (FILM MAKER)

Keisha is a Proud Biripi woman from Taree. She is an incredible emerging filmmaker, who documents all sorts of community action, including footy and cultural activities. Keisha uses films to connect with people – hear their perspective, tell their authentic stories and showcase how deadly they are!

Keisha believes that story is a guide and a teacher. This young woman is a powerhouse and we’re so excited to see where this program leads to.

STEWART KAPEEN aka STOOZ (SONG WRITER)

Stewy is Nyangbul man (Part of the Bundjalung Nation) from Ballina area in Northern Rivers. Stewy is an emerging singer/ songwriter/rapper (and a very accomplished Cricket player!)

Stewie first connected with DPM on a songwriting project at Ballina Coast High School, engaging young people in response to the floods that inundated Cabbage Tree Island community and the region. Stewy was a standout on the project and is looking to accelerate his creative practice through DPM Futures.

THE ASK:

On behalf of these impressive young creatives - we are seeking to generate $20000 ($5000 EACH) to buy them a custom kit of media equipment & software to help them jump forward in their creative practice.

These kits will include specific equipment including laptops, studio microphones, new cameras and lenses, tripods, headphones, audio recorders and associated devices. Our objective is to get them set up and comfortable with this new kit as part of their program that runs until June 2025.

Let’s all get behind this new generation of creatives and help them get the take the next step in their creative practice and careers.