The Indigenous Art Code was formed and funded in 2010 by NAVA; later funded by the Australia Council for the Arts. The Indigenous Art Code is a proprietary company run by its members/signees and was founded to combat unethical trading in Aboriginal Art. The code is voluntary and is open to all industry members wishing to sign it.
In troubling and uncertain times like these, we find more meaning than ever in our mission at ART ARK®, which is to create economic opportunities for, and support and celebrate Aboriginal people through art.
Historically, Australian Aboriginal people had three main forms of communicating — storytelling, songs, and visual communication through painting, drawing and the use of ceremonial design. Without a written language, future generations, beyond generational learning, largely depended on the wide breadth of Aboriginal Art to communicate and understand past practices and culture.
Indigenous art provides important economic benefits. When the art market peaked in 2007, Indigenous art was estimated to generate some A$400-500 million a year. This supported 110 Indigenous art centres and about 5,000 art workers (artists).
Indigenous Australians have influenced modern Australian dress since first contact. From possum skin cloaks and booka kangaroo capes to shell necklaces in Tasmania, Europeans have been fascinated with Indigenous materials, skills and aesthetics. They have stolen, purchased, borrowed and worn them for more than 200 years.
