Buying First Nations art

First Nations art is among the most significant art made anywhere in the world today, and buying it can directly support artists, families and communities. But the market has a history of exploitation, fakes and misleading products. Buying ethically makes sure that artists are paid fairly, that cultural knowledge is respected and that what you buy is what it claims to be. This guide explains how.

Why ethical buying matters

First Nations art carries culture: stories, knowledge of Country, family connections and sometimes law. Artists have a right to control how their culture is used and to be paid fairly for their work. Unfortunately, some sellers have paid artists very little, misrepresented who made work, or sold mass-produced items marketed as Aboriginal art that involved no First Nations artist at all. Ethical buying helps change that.

Where to buy

The Indigenous Art Code recommends three main options.

Indigenous Art Code signatories

The Indigenous Art Code is a voluntary code of conduct for dealers in First Nations art. According to the Code, signatories commit to standards of fair and ethical trade, including not making misleading claims about authenticity, origin, an artist's affiliation or how artists are paid. You can check whether a gallery or dealer is a signatory on the Indigenous Art Code website.

Indigenous-owned art centres

Community-owned art centres, many in remote regions, support artists to make and sell work, keep records of provenance and return income to artists and communities. Many sell online and through galleries in cities, including Melbourne. Buying from or through an art centre is one of the most direct ways to support artists.

Directly from artists

Many First Nations artists sell work directly, in person or online. This lets you meet the artist, hear about the work and know they're paid.

Questions to ask

The Australian Government's Office for the Arts publishes advice on buying authentic First Nations arts and crafts. Useful questions include:

• Who is the artist, and what community or language group are they from?
• Where and when was the work made?
• How was the artist paid, and how much of the price goes to them?
• Is there documentation, such as a certificate of authenticity from an art centre, with details of the artist and work?
• For products such as prints on homewares or clothing, is the design licensed from a named artist, and are royalties paid?

A reputable seller will be happy to answer. Vague or evasive answers are a warning sign.

Warning signs

• Products described as "Aboriginal style", "Aboriginal design" or "Aboriginal inspired" without a named artist.
• Very low prices for supposedly original paintings.
• Sellers who can't tell you who made the work or where.
• Photographs of an artist holding a work offered as proof of authenticity. The Indigenous Art Code notes these aren't a certificate.
• Pressure to buy quickly.

Souvenirs and products

Not everything has to be an original painting. Licensed products, such as prints, textiles and homewares using designs by named First Nations artists, can be ethical choices if the artist has agreed to the licence and is paid royalties. Look for the artist's name and information about the licence. Be cautious with cheap souvenirs that don't name an artist.

Resale royalties

The Resale Royalty Scheme applies to First Nations artists like any other eligible artist. According to the Office for the Arts, eligible artists receive 5% of the sale price when work is commercially resold for $1,000 or more, including GST. This has been an important source of income for many First Nations artists whose work increases in value.

Your rights

The Australian Consumer Law prohibits businesses from making false or misleading claims, including about who made a product or whether it's authentic. The ACCC has published guidance for consumers buying Indigenous art and craft. If you believe you were misled, raise it with the seller, then report it to the ACCC or Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Seeing before buying

Before you buy, it helps to see a lot of First Nations art. Bunjilaka at Melbourne Museum and the NGV's First Nations collections are good places to start. Our guide to First Peoples art in Melbourne has more.

How art centres work

Community art centres are central to the First Nations art market, particularly in remote regions. Many are owned and governed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities. They typically provide studio space and materials, support artists to develop their practice, document each work and its story, market and sell work through galleries and online, and return income to artists. Many art centres also support cultural activities, language and community programs.

When a work comes through an art centre, it usually has a catalogue number and documentation of the artist, the work and sometimes the story behind it. Keep this documentation with the work. Galleries that work closely with art centres can usually explain the relationship and how artists are paid.

Understanding the story

Many First Nations artworks relate to stories, Country and cultural knowledge. Artists decide what can be shared publicly, and some details may not be shared at all. Documentation may include a short description of the work's subject. It's respectful to accept that not everything is explained, and not to ask for details that aren't offered.

Buying when you travel

If you travel to regions with art centres, visiting in person can be a highlight. Check opening hours before you go, as many art centres have limited hours or close at certain times of year for cultural reasons. Ask before photographing artists or their work.

Displaying and caring for works

Look after First Nations art as you would any valued artwork. Keep works on paper and canvas out of direct sunlight, avoid damp and heat, and use archival framing for works on paper. For bark paintings, fibre works and carved objects, ask the seller for care advice, as these materials can be sensitive to humidity and handling.

Gifts and commissions

If you're buying a gift, the same principles apply: buy from a signatory, art centre or artist, and pass on the documentation. If you'd like to commission a First Nations artist, discuss the project respectfully, agree on fees and timelines in writing, and accept that some cultural content may not be appropriate to depict.

A quick checklist

Before you pay, check that you know the artist's name and community, where the work was made, how the artist is paid, and that you'll receive documentation. If you can tick all four, you're buying well.

Key points

• Buy from Indigenous Art Code signatories, Indigenous-owned art centres or directly from artists.
• Ask who made the work, where it's from, how the artist was paid and what documentation exists.
• Be wary of "Aboriginal style" products without a named artist and very low prices.
• Licensed products can be ethical if the artist is named and paid royalties.
• Consumer law prohibits misleading claims; report concerns to the ACCC.