The Wire

Emergency declarations by the Dja Dja Wurrung people have kept three 19th century artefacts on loan from two British museums in Australia. At least for a while, according to Gary Murray from North West Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Board. Executive Director of Museum Victoria where the pieces are currently being shown says his organisation is trying to keep both Indigenous people and international museums happy. Concerns have also been raised about more modern Aboriginal art. A major auction of Indigenous works at Sotheby’s in Melbourne wasn’t as successful as some had hoped, but it was never going to have a big impact on the Indigenous artists themselves. A federal government discussion paper is still looking at proposals for resale royalty schemes, which Chrissie Tintner from copyright collection agency Viscopy says would have a big impact on Indigenous artists, their families and communities, but won’t completely solve problems of exploitation.

Federal government’s Resale Royalty discussion paper