The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is proud to reveal its new logo and refreshed brand identity that reflects their Community-led values, celebrates First Nations storytelling and honours the diverse cultures and Communities they work with.
Founded 21 years ago, the ILF has evolved into a national Community-driven organisation working with over 500 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia through the Book Supply, Book Buzz, Community Publishing, Create and Pamela Lofts Bequest programs.
These programs provide books and early childhood literacy resources, publish books by Community for Community, and also run book writing and illustration workshops. They are a reflection of the demand in remote Australia for literacy resources and programs.
ILF CEO Ben Bowen says, "The ILF has grown significantly over the past decade. We felt it was time to update the brand to represent and incorporate the Communities and individuals who are at the heart of the work we are so proud to do.
"We needed the new brand to showcase the rich diversity and vibrant cultures of the Communities we engage with, and to create a visual identity that truly speaks to those we serve."
The new brand was developed in collaboration with First Nations creative agency Cause/Affect, led by Waanyi and Kalkadoon woman Keisha Leon following a consultative process involving staff, Board members, and Community input.
Keisha Leon says, "The creative direction was driven by deep listening and a shared love for storytelling. From a cultural perspective, this work is about preserving knowledge and keeping storytelling and language alive."
Keisha also developed a new slogan — Be Part Of The Story — to complement ILF's existing tagline Reading Opens Doors. This new message invites both remote Community members and broader supporters to engage with ILF's journey: as participants, partners, storytellers, fundraisers, or advocates for the importance of books in First Languages.
The new slogan helped shape the visual direction of the rebrand, inspiring the integration of books, reading, and literacy into key design elements. These visuals celebrate the importance of storytelling and appear throughout the brand — from the logo to supporting graphics.
It was important to acknowledge the legacy of the ILF by keeping the iconic blue, while introducing a broader palette inspired by the colours of Country, to celebrate the various and diverse Countries in which they work. For Keisha Leon, "Colour is always a good way to reflect the diversity of Country."
ILF's Graphic Designer Justine Taylor worked closely with the designer Keisha - to bring it to life across the ILF programs, merchandise and collateral, ensuring that it is inclusive, accessible and advocates for the Communities ILF works for.
Justine Taylor says, "As the Indigenous Literacy Foundation has evolved and progressed in its reach and structure, so has the need for visual communication and presence of the brand. Additionally, our campaigns and programs have developed and each of these avenues require their own voice within the overarching brand." The new colour palette allows for this.
Also, at the heart of the rebrand are three First Nations artists — Mangarrayi artist Wanirr Keighran, Rose (Deborah Archie), and Ruby (Rusinya Brooks), all of whom have been engaged through ILF's Community Publishing and Talent Pathways programs. Their artworks, inspired by their cultures, Countries, and personal stories, now form a key part of ILF's visual identity and upcoming merchandise.
"I'm happy to be part of ILF's rebrand, it's an exciting opportunity," said Wanirr, whose artwork reflects her deep connection to Country. Her artwork has been applied to new ILF shirts.
Rose, a 23-year-old artist from Bulla in the Northern Territory, says being part of the rebrand makes her feel proud."I want to make my own art and stories and share it with the world," she says. Rose's artwork features in the first wave of merchandise and will be woven into more brand elements throughout the year.
Ruby, 21, from Milikapiti on Melville Island, has grown up participating in ILF programs including the Pamela Lofts Bequest, Create and is now a participant in the first year of the Talent Pathways program. "It's not about the destination, but the journey," says Ruby. Her artwork will be featured on merchandise released later this year.
ILF's Marketing Manager Emma Toomey, a proud Wiradjuri/Wongaibon woman says, "The launch of ILF's new brand marks an incredible milestone—one that's been years in the making. It's the result of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a shared vision, and we couldn't be more proud of what we've achieved. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this journey, from the early stages of creation to the exciting rollout
"We invite you to celebrate with us—explore our refreshed website, experience our new look, and most importantly, Be Part of the Story."
About us:
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia. They are Community-led, responding to requests from remote Communities for culturally relevant books, including early learning board books, resources, and programs to support Communities to create and publish their stories in languages of their choice.
In 2024 the ILF won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children's or young adult literature.
