The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is proud to announce the launch of its new branded apparel collection, STORIES MADE TO WEAR, a unique range of clothing that brings powerful Indigenous stories to life through wearable art while supporting vital literacy programs in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia.
This thoughtfully curated collection features original artworks by emerging Aboriginal artists who have participated in ILF programs. Each piece reflects deep connections to Country, culture and Community.
The launch range includes Big Riba Kantri by Mangarrayi artist Wanirr Keighran from Mangarrayi Country, Jilkminggan, and Community Waterhole by Deborah Archie (Rose) from Bulla in the Northern Territory. Later in the year, artwork by Rusinya Brooks—known as "Ruby"—from Milikapiti in the Tiwi Islands will also be featured.
All three artists have further developed their creative practice through ILF initiatives.
Wanirr Keighran, who was introduced to ILF through its Community Publishing program, describes the story behind her artwork:
"Along the banks of the river are footprints—this shows people travelling to different Communities. It also depicts how ILF workers travel to different Communities. There they sit down with different ones and share stories.
"When writing stories with ILF, the kids and Community members often look to their Country for inspiration—the land and the animals. This is often the main focus of their stories. To illustrate this in the artwork, I have included some of the animals that can be found in the Top End of Australia, especially around the Jilkminggan area."
Rose Archie, who began learning art techniques at just 11 years old, draws inspiration from her mother and other artists in her Community. She first engaged with ILF through publishing projects in Bulla and contributed to the book Deadly Sisters alongside ILF Ambassador Anita Heiss. Rose is now part of ILF's Talent Pathways program, which supports young people to develop skills for future careers.
Looking ahead, Rose shares her aspirations, "I want to make my own art and stories and share it with the world."
Designed for comfort and everyday wear, the STORIES MADE TO WEAR branded apparel use high-quality materials with meaningful design. Each purchase directly contributes to helping deliver vital literary resources to some of the most remote parts of Australia.
Wear Art. Wear Purpose. Wear Your Support.
The STORIES MADE TO WEAR is available now. Proceeds support Indigenous literacy, education and storytelling initiatives across Australia. Shop the collection: https://shop.ilf.org.au/
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.
