Concern over exploitation of indigenous artists
The Aboriginal art market has grown significantly over the last few decades from small Community galleries to high end international art auction houses taking an interest in the work of one of the worlds oldest cultures. But many artists still live in poverty, providing for extended families. This has lead to claims that some artists are being manipulated into producing substandard work, being underpaid and in some cases may receive drugs or prostitutes as payment. John Oster, the Executive Officer of Desart – the Association of Aborignal Art and Craft Centres said while exploitation was only on the fringes of the market, it did exist. Director of the Indigenous Art Traders Association, Ian Plunkett, and Labor MP Peter Garrett also spoke to the Wire.