Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Buying Aboriginal Art Ethically
By buying authentic items you are supporting indigenous culture and helping to ensure that
traditional and contemporary expertise and designs continue to be of economic and cultural
benefit to indigenous individuals and communities. Unfortunately, some of the so-called in-
digenous art sold as souvenirs is ripped off, consisting of appropriated designs illegally
taken from indigenous people or just plain fake, and sometimes made overseas by under-
paid workers. Artworks should have a certificate of authenticity. Note that haggling is not
part of Aboriginal culture.
The best place to buy art is either directly from the communities that have art collectives,
or from galleries and outlets that are owned and operated, or supported by indigenous com-
munities. You can then be sure that the items are genuine and that the money you spend
goes to the right people. However, some indigenous artists continue to be paid small sums
for their work, only to find it being sold for much higher prices in commercial galleries in
cities that don't have the interest of the communities producing the art as their priority.
To negate this, it's vital to do some research. The Australian Commercial Galleries Asso-
ciation (
www.acga.com.au
) lists galleries considered to observe ethical practices. Another
excellent organisation is Solid Arts, with its online portal (
www.solidarts.com.au
)
offering
support for indigenous artists and ethical considerations to keep in mind when purchasing
indigenous art.
BEST SOUTHERN GALLERIES
»
Art Gallery of Western Australia
(
www.artgallery.wa.gov.au
;
Perth Cultural Centre;
10am-5pm Wed-Mon)
Perth.
»
Indigenart
(
www.mossensongalleries.com.au
;
115 Hay St;
10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm Sat) Perth.
»
Japingka
(
www.japingka.com.au
;
47 High St;
10am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, noon-5pm Sat & Sun) Fremantle.
»
Tunbridge Gallery
(
www.tunbridgegallery.com.au
;
101 Bussell Hwy;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat, to 3pm Sun)
Margaret River.
»
Kepa Kurl Art Gallery
(
www.kepakurl.com.au
; cnr Dempster & Kemp Sts;
10am-4pm Mon-Fri & market
Sun) Esperance.
