The Department has released the Australian Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts - Study report.
The report 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 Government supports the majority of the report's recommendations in principle and is tackling economic harm in the First Nations visual arts and craft sector as demonstrated by the National Cultural Policy, Revive:
- 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.
The Department will continue to work in partnership to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The government’s response is available here.
For more information about protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights, visit ICIP | Office for the Arts