When overseas friends or family take a souvenir boomerang or didgeridoo home, they’re probably buying a fake.
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A federal parliamentary committee has finished an inquiry into the growing presence of inauthentic Indigenous-style arts and craft products and this week released a report outlining recommendations on how to fix the issue.
However, one South Coast artist believes the only way to get the upper hand is to ban all overseas imports of inauthentic Aboriginal art.
The Indigenous Affairs Committee – chaired by current Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis – found 80 per cent of all Indigenous art and craft being sold as souvenirs were fake.
The Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples made a thorough investigation of how Indigenous art was being impacted by inauthentic products and proposed a number of recommendations.
Some of these include: labeling a fake as a fake; better information guides for consumers; and more money and resources put into the Indigenous Art Code to foster responsible retail and supply practices.
It is a really difficult thing to police … but ban all imports.
- Warwick Keen
“The misappropriation of First Nations cultures in this way is unacceptable and cannot continue unchecked,” Ms Sudmalis said.
“These imitation products have a profound and harmful effect on First Nations peoples and do not teach or inform the buyer about Indigenous heritage, as they have no connection to it.
“It is an ethical and moral demand that we assist this guardianship into the future.”
Renowned artist, teacher and Indigenous art consultant Warwick Keen said it’s “disgusting” retailers were allowed to sell overseas products in the first place.
“It’s very offensive,” Mr Keen said. “People disregard all sense of culture and respect for people … it’s all about how I can make some money.
“It is a really difficult thing to police … but that would be my recommendation to ban all imports of it.”
He also said labeling wouldn’t work, knowing first hand from selling clearly labelled authentic art as souvenirs previously that tourists did not read them.
Mr Keen did agree with recommendations for more support given to Indigenous artists to get their work “out there”, stating there were few outlets which sold genuine Aboriginal art.
For people wanting to purchase authentic Indigenous products, Mr Keen suggested asking advice from local galleries such as Wollongong or Shoalhaven Art Galleries.
All Committee Recommendations:
- That the Productivity Commission conducts a comprehensive structural analysis of the entire market for First Nations art and craft. It will be difficult for policymakers to be effective in the future without this information.
- That the Indigenous Art Code be properly funded and a review take place after two years to determine whether this voluntary code of conduct is being effective or whether a mandatory system should be considered.
- That a separate arm of the existing Indigenous Business Sector Strategy be created for First Nations art centres to build their capacity.
- That an Information Standard be developed for authentic First Nations art and crafts.
- That an information guide on authentic art and crafts be developed as a short video presentation to all passengers arriving into Australia.
- That a Certification Trade Mark scheme for authentic First Nations art and crafts be developed by IP Australia in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
- That funding be made available through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program to assist artists and art centres affected by carpetbagging.
- That a consultation process be initiated to develop stand-alone legislation protecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property, including traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.
It’s up now up to the Federal Government to decide which recommendations will be adopted.
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
