BLAK Chat: First Nation Creative Futures

Three-quarters of all First Nations people are considered to creatively participate in the making of art, music and stories, compared to under 44% of the general population. But what does it mean to have a sustained creative career in 2026? Chaired by Dr Bradley Webb, this panel will discuss shifts and emerging possibilities. Participants include Alison Page (design), James Gilliard (architecture), David Parkin (gaming + creative technologies) and Evelyn Araluen (poet).

Brad Webb (chair) is a Bundjulung /Dunghutti man from northern New South Wales he is an artist / academic researcher with Melbourne University in the faculty of Architecture Building & Planning. After completing a Bachelor of Arts and Honours Degree in Creative Arts Visual practice in 2013 at Deakin University. In 2021 Brad completed his master’s by Research, How has colonisation and Trans Generational Trauma Created A Lost Generation exploring the complex trauma of the Stolen Generation and its impact across future generations. Brad primarily works in painting but experiments in combining visual painting and digital imaging reproduction to give new meaning and expression to his works. In 2025 Brad was conferred a Doctorate of Philosophy through practice led research with Monash University in the faculty of Architecture Art & Design (MADA) examining “How do colonial frameworks determine Indigenous (Aboriginal) representation and cultural heritage”?

Evelyn Araluen is a Goorie and Koori storyteller, editor and educator working at the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Knowledges. She is also the co-editor of Overland Literary Journal, a co-director of the Institute of Postcolonial Studies, and a board member of Blak & Bright First Nations Writers Festival. Across poetry, fibre arts, research and editing she is driven by the strength of First Nations storytelling practices in Australia and beyond. Her first collection DROPBEAR won the 2022 Stella Prize, and her second book, THE ROT, won the 2026 Victorian Prize for Literature. Born and raised on DharugCountry and in the broader Aboriginal Western Sydney community, she now lives on the lands of the Wurundjeri-Woi Wurrung peoples and works on Boon Wurrung Country.

James Gilliland is a Melbourne-based architect and Yorta Yorta descendant passionate about bringing Designing with Country principles to life in practical commercial construction. He works with a wide range of stakeholders to create designs that respect culture, Country, and long-term community benefits. With experience across residential, commercial, mixed-use, and community projects, James blends sustainability and cultural responsiveness at every stage of design. Outside of work, you’ll often find him mountain biking, exploring and connecting with landscapes. He also volunteers with the Country Fire Authority, reflecting his commitment to both community and Country.

Alison Page is a First Nations (Dharawal and Yuin) artist and designer at the forefront of the contemporary Australian Aboriginal cultural movement. She has an extensive career spanning design, public art, interiors, exhibitions and urban design, beginning in the late 90’s working in Australia’s first Aboriginal architecture group, Merrima. She is the co-author of Design: Building on Country, written with Paul Memmott, which explores Indigenous design, architecture and engineering principles as a blueprint for contemporary Australian design. Alison appeared for eight years as a regular panellist on the ABC TV show, The New Inventors, was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame in 2015, and in 2022 was the Interior Design Excellent Awards Gold Medal winner. She is a Professor of Practice in the Architecture School at the University of Technology and the founder of the National Aboriginal Design Agency.

David Parkin is a First Nations creative and community practitioner based in regional Victoria, he works at the intersection of culture, technology and community. David's practice spans events, storytellingandbusiness development, focusing on creating culturally safe spaces that support diverse participation in creative industries. He has led design-informed initiatives across community programs, events and entrepreneurship. These initiatives include facilitating culturally grounded yarning circles, delivering branding workshops for Aboriginal businesses and creating pathways into games and technology for diverse young people. His current work explores innovative approaches to wellbeing, identity and connection through design and community-led experiences.

Image: Breville Aboriginal Culinary Journey

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Host or Publisher Melbourne School of Design