Epson and First Nations Fashion + Design launch Designer-in-Residency Program

Epson has extended its agreement to support First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD) and launched the inaugural Epson and FNFD Designer-in-Residency Program with its first two awarded recipients.

The Designer-in-Residency Program has been created to empower First Nations fashion and textile designers, both emerging and established, by providing essential resources, mentorship and support from Epson and FNFD to refine their creative practices and grow their businesses.

 “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 several FNFD strategic initiatives which support and empower emerging First Nation fashion and textile designers in Cairns and the surrounding regions,” says Epson Australia MD, Craig Heckenberg.
FNFD founder and chairperson, Grace Lillian Lee adds, “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 program aims to foster cultural expression and sustainability through textile design, strengthen business capacity and production skills, build creative confidence and provide national exposure opportunities through the FNFD Fashion Showcase in 2026.

Ivy Minniecon and Lisa Lui are the first two recipients to be awarded places on the Designer-in-Residency Program.

As a descendant of the Kuku Yalanji, Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, and South Sea Islander Nations, Ivy’s art practice is deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Ivy’s work is a testament to a sense of place, connection, and belonging to the Country. The primary focus of her work is the Yalanji weave of the balji, a traditional bag made from the kakan of the duwar (Black Palm), native to the Daintree Rainforest. More recently, her weaving practice has also incorporated traditional grass skirts. 

 “I am grateful to God and my ancestors for leading my path into places I have only dreamed of. This opportunity is a dream come true and divine timing, as I have always wanted to contribute to the First Nation Fashion Industry,” says Minniecon.

Lisa Lui, a proud Dauareb woman and fashion designer from the Eastern Torres Strait Islands, captivated audiences at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair fashion performance with her abstract art collection ‘Nener’ in 2024 and ‘Bulubulu’ in 2025. Inspired by the deep connection to her heritage and the memory of her late father and mother, Lisa’s work is a vivid homage to the cultural legacy she carries and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the land for future generations. 

Lui says, “I am truly blessed for this opportunity to be part of the Residency program with FNFD and Epson. Fashion is something that I always wanted to explore. It is a privilege and honour to be able to share my Torres Strait culture through fashion and art.”

The Designer-in-Residency Program is funded and fully supported by Epson. It 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.  The program includes a mid-residency showcase, garment sampling and production, collaboration and innovation. It culminates with a final collection showing in the 2026 FNFD fashion showcase at the 2026 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.