About the Australian Indigenous Art Trade Association

The Australian Indigenous Art Trade Association is the national organisation for persons and organisations experienced in the business of indigenous art. The organisation operates to promote the ethical trade of indigenous art and to provide a forum where members can discuss issues relevant to the industry.

The Association had its genesis in Alice Springs in 1998 in the coming together of representatives from many different industry groups from all around Australia, community art centres, Indigenous artists, art dealers, galleries, advocacy groups and academics with a view to establishing a framework to build a truly national organisation.

It was felt by many within the Industry that with the growth of Indigenous art both nationally and internationally, the establishment of an Industry Code of Ethics and an Industry Body was long overdue. After several days of debate and discussion from all sectors, a Code of Ethics was hammered out and the Art Trade Association was established in November 1998.

Art.Trade recognises above all that the industry depends upon the creative genius of Indigenous artists producing cultural material and that the long term viability of the industry depends upon that culture remaining strong.


Board Members

Art.Trade has a Board consisting of seven members. Members are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. Board members for the year 2007-8 are:

President - Martin Wardrop, Aboriginal Art Online

Vice President - Ian Plunkett,  Japingka Gallery

Secretary - Brett Hall, Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery

Treasurer - Michael Eather, Fire-Works Gallery

Board member - Vivien Anderson, Vivien Anderson Gallery

Board Member - Anna Kanaris,  Artitja Fine Art

Board member - Des Rogers,  Des Rogers Fine Art