Review of the Indigenous Art Code

A review of the Indigenous Art Code is underway to strengthen the protections for Indigenous artists and consumers across the country. Cox Inall Ridgeway, a First Nations-led agency, is leading the review.

Why we want your input

The Indigenous Art Code (the Code) is a document that sets best practice standards for fair, transparent and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and their art. The views shared will help Cox Inall Ridgeway to make recommendations about protecting Indigenous artists’ rights, the ethical trade of Indigenous art, and how to strengthen protections.

How you can voice your opinion

The consultation period has ended. If you have any questions about the Review, email IndigenousArtCodeReview@arts.gov.au.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

Views shared during the consultation phase will inform Cox Inall Ridgeway's recommendations, which will be considered by Government in 2025.

The issue

The Indigenous Art Code Ltd administers a voluntary industry Code of Conduct known as 'the Code'. The Code was established by the Australian Government in 2010. It's a set of rules and guidelines that dealers—either Indigenous or non-Indigenous businesses—commit to follow to ensure ethical practices and fair treatment of Indigenous artists.

The Government has committed to review the Code to strengthen the protections for Indigenous artists and consumers across the country. This commitment is outlined in the National Cultural Policy Revive in Pillar 1: 'First Nations First', 'Review the Indigenous Art Code to strengthen the protections for First Nations artists and consumers across the country'.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the first review of the Indigenous Arts Code and support fair and ethical trade of Indigenous artwork and better protections for Indigenous artists.

Relevant documentation

Updates and Milestones

Questions and answers

Outcomes

Participate

Consultation opening date and time: 01/10/2024 09.00
Consultation closing date and time: 29/11/2024 17.00

The consultation period has now ended.

Privacy Collection Notice

Respecting First Nations knowledge and cultural and intellectual property

Cox Inall Ridgeway (CIR) will ensure that the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to control their stories and cultural heritage (Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property or ICIP) are recognised and respected.

CIR will develop a process for collecting, managing and using knowledge held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that is consistent with best practice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, prior to any engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is undertaken.

CIR will ensure that stakeholders who provide knowledge, stories, cultural heritage information or other sensitive information to CIR for this project do so with free, prior and informed consent.