Kirrikin Foundation

BACKGROUND

Kirrikin foundation was formed in late 2022 in response to a perceived requirement to continue supporting the development and commercialization of Indigenous creative Businesses. 

In May 2022 Kirrikin along with other developing Indigenous fashion businesses were invited to hold runway shows in both Ireland and Brussels, and a private showing in London. The request was through the DFAT, and the private showing in London was at the request of BHP. This bought the realization that not only were we valued in the European market, that there was a real interest in our products. 

The experience for the participants – of which there were:

2 x Fashion Designers

3 x Models

1 x Cultural performer

1 x Photographer

1 x Logistics and support

It was an eye opening experience, to see something outside their own country, but to do so amongst a group of talented Indigenous people was amazing, and also something that had happened for the first time, a fully Indigenous group heading off to do shows across Europe.  

The purpose of the shows was in support of DFAT’s discussions with the EU on a Free Trade Agreement, but had the secondary purpose of helping us as of group of Creative professionals to develop contacts in that market, with a view to selling our products into Europe. Kirrikin has been selling B2P into Europe since the early days of the business, so we were sure there is an interest in our products in the areas we have already presented in. 

THE PURPOSE

It became obvious that there is a large gap in education and understanding about our people. It also has become obvious that it is as beneficial for our participants as it is for our guests. 

We have commenced the foundation with the view to:

To advance culture by funding the public performance of works of Indigenous fashion and visual arts creatives.

To advance culture by providing scholarships for Indigenous people to develop skills in fashion, visual arts and other related industries.

To advance culture by funding workshops so that Indigenous people are able to commercialise their skills and experience in creative arts industries

THE TEAM

Shannon McGuire

CEO

Amanda Healy

DIRECTOR

Liandra Gaykamangu

DIRECTOR

Blair Strickland

DIRECTOR