Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Economies

Project Overview

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Economies project concluded in June 2016. The research explored and addressed major industry challenges, including:

• value chain complexity and changing market conditions
• industry issues such as provenance, quality and supply
• governance and regulation
• artistic production in remote Australia
• business sustainability for art enterprises

This project undertook the most comprehensive study ever done on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector. The team completed the first national analysis on the production and sale of Aboriginal art, in particular from remote art centres. The financial circumstances of many art centres are fragile, with falling profitability. Together with partners, the team developed new tools to aid financial management and marketing.

The project achieved excellent engagement, working with more than 170 art businesses, 82 out of Australia’s 87 art centres, 4 of the 5 peak bodies, all 8 government agencies involved in the sector, plus 900 art buyers at 3 national art fairs.

The study found that artistic and commercial success is uneven across gender, age, location and production. Following a recent sharp downturn, the industry is rebuilding and needs further encouragement. However, this is constrained because growth in art centres and art production has not yet been matched by growth in demand. While sales are improving, the supply chain is characterised by a lack of trust and cautious buyer behaviour.

Research results were disseminated widely, with the project publishing a number of journal papers, presenting at conferences and creating other end-user publications.

For more information, contact:

Tim Acker
Principal Research Leader
E: tim.acker@nintione.com.au
M: +61 410 038 226