Fake Indigenous art sits for selling in shopping malls, gift stores, corner shops and online.
Souvenirs wrapped in inauthentic Indigenous-style art saturate the market, making up two in every three.
However, a new report has called for the labelling of fake art.
Mandatory Labelling
The Australian government's Productivity Commission released a draft report which has recommended the mandatory labelling of inauthentic products.
“Inauthentic products can mislead consumers, deprive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists of income and disrespect cultures,” Productivity Commissioner and Yawuru man Romlie Mokak said.
“Mandatory labelling would steer consumers toward authentic products and put the compliance burden on those producing fake products, not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.”
Mr Mokak said that the decision to recommend labelling inauthentic products was a “more practical response” than attempting to ban them.
The Productivity Commission has recommended a new law which would protect Indigenous artists. Source: NITV News
Setting a legal precedent
For years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists have been at risk of their art, stories and symbols being stolen or appropriated.
The Productivity Commission has recommended the installation of a new law which would strengthen protections around Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.
The law, which would focus on visual arts and crafts, would formally recognise the interests of Indigenous artists and communities in regard to cultural expression.
It would enable legal action against inappropriate use of intellectual and cultural property without Traditional Owner consent.
“Communities have limited legal avenues to protect their sacred stories and symbols from being used without permission and out of context,” said Commissioner Lisa Gropp.
“Our draft report proposes new legislation that would recognise the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to protect these cultural expressions.”
Aboriginal artist Paddy Stewart works on a dot painting at the Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Center in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Jun 2 Source: AAP Image/Marianna Massey
Protecting ethical business
Currently, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts industry’s annual sales sit at $250 million.
Whilst many artists access art dealers and galleries through Community Controlled art centres, instances of unethical and inappropriate behaviour remain.
In an attempt to combat these dealings, the Productivity Commission has called for extra "modest" funding for the Indigenous Art Code.
The Indigenous Art Code is a voluntary scheme in which artists and dealers provide 'certificates of authenticity' for artworks available for purchase.
The Commission also recommended increased financial support for art centres, which are currently underfunded and a review of the adequacy and efficiency of current government funding to ensure that it is appropriate in supporting community artists and enables self-determination in a growing industry.
