IartC acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to the land, waters and skies, often expressed through art.

What is the Code?

What is the Code?

The Code is a voluntary industry code of conduct administered by the Indigenous Art Code Ltd (IartC).

It is a set of rules and guidelines that dealers (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses) commit to follow to ensure ethical practices and fair treatment of artists.

Developed by the Indigenous visual arts industry and launched in 2009, the Code is a nine-page document setting out requirements for Dealer Members. It includes eight clauses:

  • Purpose of the Code and its Applications
  • General Standards of Conduct for Dealer Members
  • Dealings with Artists
  • Record Keeping
  • Code Certificates 
  • Code Promotion and Branding
  • Complaints Handling 
  • Definitions and Interpretation

Who can become an IartC Member

The IartC operates through a voluntary membership structure. There are three categories of membership, only Dealer Members become signatories and are bound by the Code:

  • Dealer Members may be agents, persons or organisations who acquire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artwork, or who carry on a business involving the acquisition of Artwork, for re-supply by means of sale or other distribution. They are signatories to the Code and agree to abide by it.
  • Artist Members are practising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. By becoming an Artist Member, artists are adding their voice to the call for fair and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and transparency in the promotion and sale of artwork. 
  • Supporter Members are organisations or individuals that are supportive of the objects of the Code and wish to add their voice to the call for fair and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and transparency in the promotion and sale of artwork. Supporter Members are not involved in commercial trade of Artworks. 

Dealer Members must adhere to, and demonstrate a commitment to, upholding the ethical standards laid out in the Code. Dealers undergo a rigorous application process in order to gain membership. Dealer Membership is renewed annually, and an annual fee is charged. Dealer Members must also respect the rules set out in the Company’s Constitution.  

Artist Members and Supporter Members are not bound by the Code, but as members, must abide by the rules set out in the Company Constitution.  

Who is responsible for the Code?

The Company or the IartC (The Indigenous Art Code Ltd) is the organisation that administers the Code, though:

  • Administering voluntary membership of the Code and overseeing compliance;
  • Coordinating, liaising, and seeking the support of governments, regulatory and legal bodies, and associations and groups with a role in the promotion and sale of artworks;
  • Furthering the Objects of the Company with the principal object being the promotion of Indigenous visual arts. 

What does the Code do?

What does the Code do?

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The Indigenous Art Code of Conduct (the Code). ©Indigenous Art Code.

The Code provides clear standards for dealings between dealers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to deliver: 

  • Fair and ethical trade in Artwork;
  • Transparency in the process of promotion and sale of authentic Artwork; 
  • Efficiency and fairness in how disputes are dealt with.

Art dealers and businesses trading in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art are encouraged to carefully and thoroughly read the Code and ensure their business practices meet the requirements outlined in the document. We encourage dealers to apply for IartC membership and become signatories to Code. Dealer Members must act fairly, honestly, professionally and in good conscience in all direct or indirect dealings with artists.

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The Indigenous Art Code of Conduct (the Code). ©Indigenous Art Code.

FAQs

Should I become a Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code before I start working with artists or art centres?
Why is the Indigenous Art Code in place and how does it support artists?
What is the Code vs the IartC?
What is a voluntary industry code of conduct?

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