Information for Indigenous artists
What does the Code mean for Indigenous Artists?
The Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct is a set of rules for art dealers that tell them the right way to work with Indigenous artists. Dealers who become Code members have to keep to the Code rules.
The Code means that Dealers must be fair, honest and respectful with you.
- Dealers must not take advantage of you if you are sick or confused or cannot look after yourself for some reason.
- The Code does not tell dealers what is a fair price but they must be respectful and listen to you and work with you until you both agree that the deal is fair.
- Dealers must explain the deal properly.
- Dealers cannot pay you with drugs or alcohol.
You can take your time to think about the deal. Even when you say yes, you have 14 days to change your mind and tell the dealer.
A written deal
The dealer must give you a written record of the deal before you say yes. This is called an artwork proposal.
This is an important paper. If you can, keep it somewhere safe or give it to someone that you trust. It is a record of what the dealer said they would do. Check it or ask someone else to check it for you.
The dealer has to explain everything to you as well as give you the proposal. They have to make sure you understand the deal. They have to give you a chance to ask questions and time to think about the deal.
Become an Indigenous Artist member of Indigenous Art Code Limited
The Code has been developed to protect Indigenous Artists from exploitation and ensure they and their works are treated respectfully.
Indigenous artist members are important in helping to promote the Code to other artists and helping to ensure that the Company understands artists' issues.
We encourage Indigenous Artists to join the Company. In joining the Company you will have the opportunity to participate in Annual General Meetings and vote on major issues. There is no fee for membership for Indigenous Artists.
