For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, art is a lifeline. It is an expression of their culture and heritage and maintains and sustains their relationship to Country, sky and waters. It is also important financially and helps to support artists and their families. In many communities, art sales are the main source of income.

Operating your business ethically is 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.¹

Ethical practice

Businesses are increasingly interested in showcasing and selling artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. While this support is welcomed, it’s important that artists remain in control and make informed choices about who they work with.

Many suppliers create Indigenous-themed products, but not all operate ethically. Up to 75% of items like boomerangs, didgeridoos, t-shirts, and keyrings are fake – meaning they have no real connection to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture and were made without permission.

Indigenous Art Code

Manufacturers and retailers wanting to work ethically with artists and art centres should visit the Indigenous Art Code (IartC), a not-for-profit organisation that protects artists’ rights.

The Code was created by the Indigenous visual arts industry in 2009 to set fair and ethical standards for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. It ensures that businesses trade with artists transparently and respectfully.

Businesses that work with artists can become Code Signatory Members if they follow these ethical standards. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses can join, but they must show they comply with the Code through a membership application process.

IartC has over 300 artist members and more than 60 art centres as dealer members. Their website features profiles with contact details, making it easier to connect with artists and art centres directly.

Do your research

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples come from diverse nations, and this richness is reflected in their art, languages, and connection to Country. There are thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across Australia, each with their own artistic styles and cultural backgrounds. To engage respectfully, research widely, including artists and traditions from your local area.

Peak bodies

To learn more about the Indigenous art market, explore galleries, attend art fairs, browse work online and research different regions. Peak bodies like ANKA, AACHWA, Desart, IACA, Ku Arts and UMI Arts provide valuable information on art centres with memberships. Through this research, businesses can find respectful ways to collaborate with artists and art centres.

Copyright Agency

Another ethical option is working with the Copyright Agency, a not-for-profit organisation that helps artists license their work while ensuring fair payments. Many Indigenous Art Code members are also part of the Copyright Agency, which represents over 5,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. They help businesses acquire permission to reproduce artworks, assist in sourcing designs, ensure artists approve the usage and establish licensing agreements. By working with them, businesses can confidently follow best practices, respect artists’ rights, and support fair compensation. Learn more about the Copyright Agency’s four steps to licensing, browse their artist directory, and explore the art centres they work with.

Supply Nation

Additionally, Supply Nation connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with major organisations, making it a valuable resource for those looking to engage in ethical procurement and partnerships.

How to build trust with art centres

Building trust with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and art centres requires respect, transparency, and long-term commitment.

Here are steps manufacturers and retailers can take.

Engage with cultural protocols

Understand the significance of cultural protocols and seek guidance from Indigenous-led organisations like the Indigenous Art Code (IartC) as well as ANKA, AACHWA, Desart, IACA, Ku Arts and UMI Arts. Showing respect for cultural traditions builds credibility.

Be aware that working ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists takes time to ensure the appropriate cultural obligations are met. Artists may be unavailable for periods of time due to family or cultural responsibilities, or may require translation services to provide sign-off on agreements. Fast turnarounds are therefore seldom possible, and this should be kept in mind when planning project timelines.

Prioritise ethical licensing and fair compensation

Ensure artists retain control over their work:

• Use formal licensing agreements with clear, fair terms.
• Pay royalties that reflect the true value of the artwork.
• Consult artists and art centres before production to ensure you have the artist’s informed consent and the terms of the agreement align with the artist and art centre’s values.

Build direct relationships

Avoid third-party intermediaries that might exploit artists. Communicate directly with art centres and artists to establish mutual understanding and trust.

Trust is earned over time. Instead of one-off transactions, work towards ongoing partnerships that benefit artists and communities beyond a single product line.

Promote authentic storytelling and acknowledgment

• Ensure artworks are credited to their rightful creators.
• Share cultural context behind the designs rather than treating them as decorative elements.
• Educate consumers about the artists and their communities.

Support the broader Indigenous arts economy

• Purchase art only from ethical suppliers.
• Work with Supply Nation to engage Indigenous-owned businesses in your supply chain.
• Advocate for industry-wide changes that protect artists’ rights.

Royalties

Artists own the copyright to their work, and royalties ensure they are paid fairly when their designs are used on products. These payments are not optional, they are a standard cost of production just like manufacturing and packaging, and must be factored into budgets from the start.

Best practice in licensing follows the Indigenous Art Code, which promotes fairness and transparency. This includes:

• Ensuring artists receive fair payment for their copyright.
• Clearly explaining royalty terms including timing and payment before production begins.
• Providing written agreements so artists can review and seek advice before committing.

While there’s no fixed royalty rate, fees should reflect the artist’s circumstances, the product type, and the level of engagement with their art centre and community. Ethical partnerships respect the artist’s rights while supporting sustainable and culturally responsible collaborations.

1. https://indigenousartcode.org/about/