Creativity has always been about storytelling – transforming ideas, memories and moments into something tangible. This NAIDOC Week, Cricut is using the power of design to celebrate one of the world’s oldest living cultures, partnering with Indigenous artist Kyralee Shields to bring a collection of Aboriginal-inspired artworks to creators around the globe.
Available now through the Cricut Design Space app, the exclusive collection features original designs by Kyralee, celebrating Indigenous culture, connection and storytelling through a digital creative platform used by millions of makers worldwide.
The collaboration arrives during a significant year for NAIDOC Week, with the 2026 theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’ recognising five decades of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements, resilience and cultural strength.
For Kyralee Shields, a proud Indigenous artist, NAIDOC Week represents an opportunity to share stories, educate communities and celebrate culture on a broader scale.
“NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate my culture on a broader scale and create opportunities for the wider community to learn about and connect with Aboriginal culture,” says Kyralee. “While I share my stories with pride every day through my art, NAIDOC provides a special opportunity to amplify them and celebrate alongside communities across the country.”
The artist says the 50-year milestone is a powerful reminder of the generations who fought for recognition, representation and a stronger future.
“It highlights the importance of continuing to share our stories, celebrate our achievements and carry forward the legacy of those who paved the way for us today,” she says.
Bringing Indigenous storytelling into the hands of creators
Through Cricut’s Contributing Artist Program, Kyralee’s designs are now available for Cricut users to incorporate into personalised projects, from custom clothing and homewares to stationery, gifts and keepsakes.
The partnership highlights the evolving role of Indigenous art in contemporary spaces, showing how traditional stories and symbolism can be shared through modern creative tools.
“Being able to showcase our art through large platforms, like Cricut, allows the broader community to connect with our culture,” Kyralee explains.
“It gives Indigenous artists the opportunity to share our stories and perspectives with people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to encounter them. For me, it’s about creating connections, encouraging conversations, and showing that Aboriginal art is not only something to be admired, but a living expression of culture that continues to evolve and thrive today.”
The collection allows Cricut’s global community of creators to engage with Indigenous artwork in a meaningful way, while supporting the artists and causes behind the designs.
Supporting Indigenous Literacy Foundation in honour of Leah Cummins
The collaboration also continues Cricut’s longstanding partnership with Bunya Designs, which has supported NAIDOC Week initiatives over the past two years.
Following the passing of Leah Cummins, a proud Mayi Kulan and Kalkadoon woman and founder of Bunya Designs, Cricut is honouring her legacy by donating proceeds from her artwork, as well as this year’s Indigenous artist designs, to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a national, community-led charity that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. It provides culturally relevant books, resources and literacy programs, while helping communities create and publish stories in their own languages.
Cricut will also match donations generated from design usage throughout July 2026, further supporting the organisation’s work to keep Indigenous stories and languages thriving for future generations.
Celebrating creativity, culture and connection
For Cricut, the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive design community, where artists from different cultures and backgrounds can share their work with a global audience.
According to Nicola Dow-Smith, ANZ Region Director at Cricut, celebrating Indigenous artists through the platform is an important part of recognising First Nations culture and storytelling.
“Cricut is honoured to support and celebrate Indigenous artists this NAIDOC Week, especially as we recognise the 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly,” she says.
“We’re proud to showcase the incredible talent of artist Kyralee Shields through the Contributing Artist Program, working together to share digital designs with our community to make.”
The Cricut Contributing Artist Program gives designers the opportunity to contribute original artwork to Cricut Design Space, helping expand the platform’s library with designs that reflect different cultures, celebrations and creative perspectives.
With more than eight million members worldwide, the Cricut community now has the opportunity to discover and create with Kyralee’s designs while supporting Indigenous storytelling.
NAIDOC Week runs from 6-13 July 2026 and provides all Australians with the opportunity to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.
Through this collaboration, Cricut is showing that creativity can be more than making something beautiful – it can be a way to honour culture, share stories and create meaningful connections across communities.
