Information for Consumers
Make it Real is delivered by Aboriginal Art Centre Hub Western Australia (AACHWA) in collaboration with Western Australian art centres as pilot partners over the development stages of this project.
Fake art harms culture, and robs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
Irrespective of how and where you purchase artwork or products by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists make sure you ask questions, do your research and inform yourself about the artists and their communities.
Questions to consider before purchasing
Who is the artist?
Check the artist is acknowledged. The artist’s name should appear on the packaging and/or the product itself.
Where is the artwork and artist from?
Ask about the provenance (origin) the artist and artwork on the product.
How is the artist paid?
Ask how the featured artist gets paid.
Buying Right
There are many art centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across the country who make and sell authentic art and products.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, art is a lifeline. It is an expression of their culture and heritage and maintains their relationship to Country, sky and waters. It is also important financially, helping to support artists and their families. In many communities, art sales are the main source of income.
Making sure you always buy ethically is not just about protecting your investment, it’s a means of respecting the world’s oldest living culture, securing a sustainable future for Australia’s Indigenous art industry and ensuring artists are paid and treated fairly.
The Indigenous Art Code encourages buyers to take an active and engaged role in ensuring the artwork they purchase comes from ethical sources and that artists are paid and treated fairly by those that trade in their work. Buyers can and should play a part in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists get a fair go. When buying art, we urge you to buy what you love but make sure artists are treated ethically in the process.
Visit the Indigenous Art Code for more information.
Want to find out more?
The following external resources are available
Indigenous Art Code Ltd (IartC) is the national organisation responsible for administering a voluntary industry code of conduct.
AACHWA works with WA Aboriginal Art Centres to facilitate targeted training opportunities and encourage leadership within younger generations.
National Association for the Visual Arts
A further resource for an Indigenous Art Code organisation responsible for administering a voluntary industry code.
Resources
Helpful resources for ethical purchasing and artist rights
The following organisations and tools support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and art centres in navigating fair licensing agreements, protecting cultural knowledge and working confidently with businesses.
Whether you’re looking to buy ethically or for guidance on artist rights, these resources are designed to help you make informed decisions.
Indigenous Art Code: A national organisation that promotes fair and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through a voluntary industry code of conduct.
Copyright Agency: A not-for-profit organisation that helps artists and art centres license their work and receive royalties when their art is used.
Arts Law Centre of Australia: Offers a wide range of legal templates and guides to help artists and art centres create fair, clear contracts for creative projects.