Common Ground First Nations

Common Ground First Nations is a 100% First Nations-led and operated storytelling organisation working nationally to change systems through story.

Our vision is to strengthen cultural visibility, expand access to trusted First Nations knowledge and create sustainable pathways for First Nations creatives to thrive. We commission, mentor and pay First Nations storytellers – writers, filmmakers, artists and knowledge holders – to create culturally grounded work and share these stories widely through innovative digital platforms and curriculum-aligned education resources.

Across Australia, there is growing recognition of the importance of First Nations perspectives. However, many schools, institutions and communities still lack consistent access to trusted, First Nations-created materials. At the same time, First Nations creatives face structural barriers to sustainable employment and national visibility.

Common Ground addresses both challenges by pairing community-led creative production with accessible education resources and national digital distribution. On average, 75% of our funding flows directly to First Nations storytellers and communities. Our work reaches more than 3 million people annually, with over 14,000 teachers using our resources each year.

Our current priorities include expanding First Nations Bedtime Stories, launching the national impact campaign for Facing the Numbers, and strengthening paid mentorship pathways through Creators Circle and Grounded Story.

Funding supports commissioning fees for First Nations creatives, production costs, free education resource development and impact evaluation — ensuring stories remain community-led and nationally accessible.

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