Consultation Paper on Growing the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry

The Australian Government recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art is an important way for Indigenous Australians to tell stories, share culture, understand and explore Country and history, build community, and drive economic opportunities.

The Australian Government is developing an Action Plan to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists, and their cultural and economic interests. The plan will also will assist the Government to identify ways it can support the Indigenous visual arts industry as a whole.

In March 2020, Australia began to experience the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Indigenous visual arts industry was dramatically impacted. Art centres, galleries and studios closed or scaled back their activities. Art fairs and industry events were cancelled or postponed. The shutdown of domestic and international travel, combined with the economic downturn, has led to a drop in the primary market for Indigenous artwork, leading to an immediate and significant loss of sales and income for artists, art centres and many art market professionals. The flow-on effects have been felt across the Indigenous visual arts sector.

This Action Plan comes at a time when the Industry is considering the full long-term effects of COVID-19. We are now looking towards the future, and considering what action needs to be taken to assist the sector to rebuild following COVID-19. Action Plans help to give everyone a clear work plan. They help to make it clear what the Government does now and how it can support the industry into the future.

It is important that the Action Plan is based on the views of the Indigenous visual arts sector. The feedback we receive in response to this consultation paper will assist to develop the Action Plan.

We would like to hear from anyone involved with the Indigenous arts sector who wants to contribute. This might include artists, art centre directors, arts workers, art centre managers, art dealers, purchasers, collectors, industry bodies or peak bodies representing these groups.

Some people have provided feedback to other consultations. We will incorporate that feedback into this Action Plan. As this is an important new initiative, we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to guide and shape the outcomes.

If you have any questions in regards to this consultation, please email IVA@arts.gov.au.

Launch of the Consultation Paper on Growing the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry

• View event held at the National Gallery of Australia

Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations Peoples

In 2017 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs adopted an inquiry into the growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 'style' art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia. In 2018 the Committee published their Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples. On 2 September 2020 the Australian Government tabled its response to the Committee's Report.

• Australian Government response to House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs' Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples
• Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples
• Inquiry into the growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 'style' art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia