A draft commercial code of conduct for the Indigenous art industry is available for public comment.
The code of conduct is designed to strengthen fair and ethical trade in the Indigenous visual art industry. Once operational, it will build stronger commercial arrangements for professional Indigenous artists, supporting fair negotiation and appropriate payment for their work.
The draft code of conduct specifies a set of minimum standards for dealers, agents, and artists, and defines terms of trade, and rights and responsibilities for the sale and management of artworks.
The implementation of a code of conduct was a key recommendation of the Senate Inquiry report into the Indigenous visual arts and craft sector.
The Australia Council for the Arts and Department for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts have developed the draft code of conduct with industry input. It is consistent with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission guidelines for voluntary codes.
Comments and submissions are welcome on any aspects of the draft code of conduct through the link below before 20 March 2009.