Over the past few years there have been concerted efforts by many Aboriginal artists to involve themselves in training about governance and the business connected with their art. We think it is commendable that artists are engaging in this debate and it is to their credit that they wish to uphold sound business management in their industry.
It is important to understand that Central Australian Art Centres continue to view the Telstra award with the greatest respect.
Desart and other Aboriginal arts organisations are engaged with MAGNT to discuss how entry conditions for the award might be improved in the future and this will involve consideration of the new Indigenous Australian Art Commercial Code of Conduct.
Desart believe there is an important role for MAGNT in providing leadership to other awards and prizes around the country to increase the level of scrutiny about arts business practice in their conditions of entry, particularly in relation to Indigenous visual arts and artists.
John Oster
Executive Officer
Desart
Further information
