Breaking Ground in a Digital Age is a powerful online media and communications workshop delivered by Talicia Minniecon of Mob Made Media & Communications Agency, exploring how First Nations storytellers, creatives, artists, organisations and communities can navigate digital spaces with cultural integrity, confidence and purpose.

Grounded in truth-telling, digital storytelling and community empowerment, the workshop unpacks the evolving role of media and communications in preserving culture, amplifying voices and creating living digital archives in the 21st century.

The workshop also offers insight into the CIAF x MMM&CA Ambassador Program and the important role ambassadors play in supporting culturally grounded truth-telling and storytelling before, during and after CIAF through digital media, interviews, content creation and community engagement.

This workshop is especially valuable for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, ambassadors, event teams and anyone building an online presence, campaign or platform around their work, community engagement or creative practice.

Participants will gain insight into how to show up online with intention, strengthen digital visibility, communicate authentically and utilise social media and storytelling as powerful contemporary message sticks.

Special guest speaker Georgia Mokak from the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) will share critical insights into First Nations ICIP (Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property) and IP protections, supporting participants to better understand their rights, responsibilities and the importance of protecting cultural knowledge, stories and creative works in the digital age.

Gamilaroi artist and CIAF 2026 Exhibitor Rachel Bywaters will also share candid reflections on building her website and growing her profile as an emerging First Nations artist. Rachel will discuss the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned along the way, offering practical insights for artists, creatives and small business owners looking to strengthen their digital presence and connect with audiences online.

This project is supported by Creative Australia through the Storytelling and Recording: First Nations Project Fund.