Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
country, although not always made by an indigenous artisan. A hollow drone instrument,
the didgeridoo is played by a musician who has mastered the art of circular (nonstop)
breathing and is now used by indigenous and nonindigenous musicians due to its unique
and amazingly diverse sound. It has been used in traditional, crossover, country, rock and
classical music.
Although it is often considered a universal Aboriginal musical instrument, the didgeri-
doo originates from Yolngu culture in northeast Arnhem Land, where it remains a
revered cultural object and is known as the
yidaki
. For more information on the cultural
protocols for use of the didgeridoo see
www.didgefestival.com/about-the-didge
.
Buying Aboriginal Art Ethically
The rising interest in Aboriginal art in Australia and overseas over the past decade or so
has been accompanied by an increase in unethical actions by individuals who have not
always had the rights of the artists and their communities as a priority.
Very few galleries in SA or the NT are owned and directed by indigenous people, but
there are many Aboriginal art centres that are governed by Aboriginal people. The best
place to buy art is either directly from the communities that have art collectives, or from
galleries and outlets that are operated or supported by indigenous arts and advocacy
groups. In most major cities and towns there are also commercial galleries that have es-
tablished long-term relationships with artists and communities. These usually display a
notice stating they are a member of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association
(ACGA) and/or the Indigenous Art Code.
Art Centres & Advocacy Groups
The following art centres provide useful information on their websites:
»
Association of Northern, Kimberley & Arnhem Aboriginal Artists
(ANKAAA;
www.ankaaa.org.au
), based in Darwin, is the peak advocacy and support agency for Ab-
original artists and art centres in Arnhem Land, Tiwi Islands, Darwin/Katherine and the
Kimberley in north Western Australia. ANKAAA recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
»
Desart Inc
(
www.desart.com.au
) is the key support agency in Central Australia. Based
in Alice Springs, it is the major advocacy agency for at least 45 central Australian art
centres across three borders (NT, SA and WA).
»
Ananguku Arts & Culture Aboriginal Corporation
(
www.anangukuarts.com.au
)
, over
the border in South Australia, was established in 1997 by women artists at Ernabella to
cover the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Ananguku Arts now
provides services to more than 460 artists at seven Aboriginal-owned and -governed art
centres in far northwest SA.
