Protecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts

The study examined the value, nature and structure of markets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and craft and provided 26 findings and 10 recommendations to government.

The recommendations include strengthening protections through new legislation and policies as well as bolstering the Indigenous Art Code, improving funding arrangements, and increasing professional support and development opportunities for First Nations artists and communities.

The majority of recommendations have been supported in principle by government.

The government's response highlights its support to the sector by tackling economic harm. A number of actions outlined in the National Cultural Policy, Revive, are already underway, including:

• reviewing the Indigenous Art Code to strengthen the protections for First Nations artists and consumers across the country
• continuing to invest in First Nations art centres and sector organisations through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program
• supporting professional development and training for First Nations peoples to ensure that artists are treated ethically and receive a fair return for their work
• developing stand-alone legislation to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, including to address the harm caused by fake art, merchandise and souvenirs.

The department prepared the response in consultation with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Attorney-General's Department, IP Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and other agencies.

Find out more

• Read the Australian Government response.
• Read the Productivity Commission Study Report.
• Visit our page on protecting Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights.