Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts and Crafts

Preparing final report

Why the study?
Issues paper
Draft report
Final report

What we’ve been asked to look at

The Productivity Commission was asked to examine the value, nature and structure of markets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts, and policies to address deficiencies in these markets.

Read the Terms of Reference Media release

Issues paper release and initial submissions

The Commission released an issues paper that set out some of the issues and questions that people raise with us in the early stage of the study.

The issues paper was a guide for people in preparing a submission or comment to the study.

Participants should have provided evidence to support the views in their submission or comment, including data and specific examples where possible.

The issues paper was released on 21 September 2021.

Initial submissions were due by 13 December 2021.

Read the issues paper

Draft report release

The Commission sought further information and feedback following the release of a draft report on 19 July 2022.

Submissions were due by 29 August 2022.

Read the draft report

Final report to Government and release

The final study report is to be handed to the Australian Government in November 2022 and publicly released shortly after.

Make a submission Read submissions ()

or Make a brief comment anytime Read comments (10)

Webinar: Cultural Rights Legislation

This event was held online on 31 August 2022. It took the form of a short presentation, followed by Q&A.

Watch the webinar

Calling all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists

We’d love to hear about your experiences as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artist:

What are the biggest challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists face?
How can artists and designers be better supported?
How can markets for arts and crafts be strengthened?

Let us know your thoughts

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain names, images and voices of deceased people. It may also link to other websites which contain names, images and voices of deceased people.

Next milestone

Final report to be sent to Government in November 2022

Transcript of video

[Text] Australian Government Productivity Commission logo. New study: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts and Crafts.

Romlie Mokak, Commissioner: The Productivity Commission is starting a new study into markets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts and Crafts.

We provide independent advice to governments on issues affecting the Australian community and some specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The government has asked us to look at this issue because some items that are being sold as created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not.

We are examining the different markets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts, from those sold at arts centres, fairs and galleries, at home or abroad, as well as those products that can be found in local shops.

We want to identify whether there are problems in these markets and how they affect artists, communities and businesses.

We will invite you to make a written or oral submission or contact us online.

We will be engaging with people and organisations across the country and in particular with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We will be guided by community perspectives as we make recommendations for governments.

These recommendations will aim to address problems recognising the importance of art for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in particular, and for all Australians as a part of our shared identity.

We look forward to talking with you soon.

[Text] pc.gov.au/indigenous-arts

Music: White Cockatoo by Waak Waak Djungi

Photography: Jamie James and Wayne Quiliam

Original artwork/design: Luke Penrith

Additional footage: iStock, Pond5

Produced by the Productivity Commission.