UPDATED CODE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Please see updated member application and renewal of membership forms.

• Existing Dealer Member Information Form (fill this in if you are already a member)
• Dealer Member Application Form (fill this in if you’d like to be a member)
• Existing Artist Member Information Form (fill this in if you are already a member)
• Artist Member Application Form (fill this in if you’d like to be a member)

For Dealer Membership

The Directors of the Company request that you complete the relevant form to assist the Directors in determining whether you meet any eligibility criteria for dealer membership and whether your conduct is likely to be consistent with the purpose and requirements of the Code.

And for existing dealer members whether you continue to meet any eligibility criteria and so we can update your contact details on our database.

The questions in this form reflect the Code and are intended to enable you to demonstrate to the Board how you meet the requirements to be a signatory of the Code. The Information Forms have been reviewed by Allens Linklaters Lawyers who generously provide pro bono legal services to the Indigenous Art Code.

The purpose of the Code is to establish standards for dealings between Dealers and Artists to ensure:

• (a) fair and ethical trade in Artwork;
• (b) transparency in the process of promotion and sale of Artwork; and
• (c) that disputes arising under the Code are dealt with efficiently and fairly.

Dealer members include:

• Private Dealers
• Commercial Galleries
• Retail Outlets
• Art Centres

All dealer members will be required to complete the same form, responding to the same questions.

HOW WILL THE CODE BOARD USE THIS INFORMATION?

The Code is in the process of developing a mobile responsive website which will include more information about dealer members and their business types and practices. We’d like to include up to date information about your business.

All information you provide will be reviewed by the Directors of the Code. Only the information highlighted in green will be made available to the general public.

The Indigenous Art Code Board will review new dealer member applications and existing membership on a quarterly basis, providing consistency and transparency to this process.

Applicants and existing members are asked to submit their completed and signed form via either of the above methods at their earliest convenience. The Board will assess applications on a monthly basis.

Please contact Gabrielle Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Art Code at gabrielle@indigenousartcode.org if you have any questions in respect of this form and/or require assistance to complete.

The Code – an update April 2015

As a result of the Australian Government’s 2007 Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Indigenous visual arts and craft sector, it was recommended that the Indigenous arts commercial sector be given the opportunity to self-regulate via a Voluntary Code of Conduct, and that, if after two years persistent problems remain, consideration should be given to moving to a prescribed code of conduct under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (now the Competition and Consumer Act 2010).
In November 2012 after two years of operation, Indigenous Art Code Limited (IArtC Ltd) submitted a Report of the IArtC Ltd to the Federal Minister for the Arts recommending a Prescribed Code of Conduct for the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry. The report stated that

“There continues to be significant unethical and unfair treatment and exploitation of Indigenous artists by some dealers in the Industry.  While the majority of dealers have acceptable professional standards and operate in good faith when dealing with Indigenous artists, the misconduct identified in the Senate Report persists and there is an unacceptable level of exploitation of Indigenous artists.  The nature of the misconduct has not changed significantly since the Senate Report was published in 2007.”

Senator the Hon George Brandis QC has confirmed The Federal government has “decided not to pursue alternative regulatory options at this stage” and “would like to see the Code continue in its voluntary capacity to allow it more time to build on its strengths”.

What next?

The Indigenous Art Code Ltd (Code) has a significant role in ensuring fair trade with Indigenous artists.

The Code:

• Establishes a set of standards for commercial dealing with Indigenous visual artists;
• Provides a benchmark for ethical behaviour; and builds greater certainty for consumers that the artworks they buy come through ethical processes.

The IArtC is committed to maximising the effectiveness of the existing voluntary Code and will continue to promote and support best practice in the industry and associate the Code brand with best practice.

Education and information focussed on the consumer

IArtC has determined that one of the most effective strategies to raise the awareness and efficacy of a voluntary Code involves enhancing its utility and appeal to consumers of Indigenous art.

The Indigenous Commercial Visual arts industry exists because people want to purchase Indigenous art. The IArtC will work to educate and inform consumers on purchasing Indigenous art ethically, providing a structure for dealers to promote ethical practice, respecting the significant contribution Indigenous artists make to the Australian Visual Arts sector and economy.

Given the very limited resources of the IArtC (there is one full time staff member supported by a board of directors) it is critical that the organisation is supported in its endeavors by a committed and active membership base. Together with our membership base, we are looking to upgrade the quality of information we provide to consumers. It is intended that the IArtC website will be gradually updated to reflect this focus. In addition IArtC intends to work on adding value to its members by being a practical resource, providing more information about dealer members and their business models.

Review membership requirements.

‘IArtC is currently reviewing, among other things, the criteria that an applicant must satisfy in order to be admitted as a member of the Code – whether that be as an artist member, dealer member or code supporter member. While this review is underway, the directors of IartC will not be admitting any new members of the Code. We aim to complete this review by July 30, 2015.

A membership drive will follow reflecting the Code’s focus on building greater certainty for consumers that the artworks they buy come through ethical processes supporting fair trade with Indigenous artists.

If there is information you require please contact Gabrielle Sullivan 0438 637 862 or gabrielle@indigenousartcode.org

Welcome from the Chair