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First Nations Art Guide

A respectful starting point for learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts in Australia.

Start here

A respectful starting point for learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts in Australia.

Australian art opportunities are spread across national institutions, state funding bodies, regional galleries, artist-run spaces, local councils, art fairs, commercial galleries, schools, universities and artist organisations. A practical approach is to keep a short list of trusted sources and check them regularly.

Practical checklist

  • Define your goal: exhibit, sell, learn, apply, visit, collect, teach or document.
  • Check whether the opportunity is local, state-based, national or international.
  • Confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.
  • Save key dates and allow time for photography, statements, budgets and transport.
  • Read terms carefully, especially around copyright, commission, insurance and delivery.
First Nations Art Guide

Useful related resources

Detailed Artsoz guide notes

Best audienceCollectors, students, teachers and art audiences
Location focusAustralia-wide, with strong place-based cultural context
How to use this guideUse it as a practical checklist before visiting the linked resources, applying for opportunities or making decisions.

1. Use reputable art centres, public galleries and First Nations-led resources to learn context and avoid exploitative buying pathways

Use reputable art centres, public galleries and First Nations-led resources to learn context and avoid exploitative buying pathways.

2. Respect that Country, language, community permission and cultural authority matter

Respect that Country, language, community permission and cultural authority matter. Do not treat First Nations art as a single style.

3. Check provenance, artist attribution, art centre membership and ethical purchasing guidance before buying

Check provenance, artist attribution, art centre membership and ethical purchasing guidance before buying.

4. When teaching or writing, prefer sources by First Nations artists, curators, art centres and cultural organisations

When teaching or writing, prefer sources by First Nations artists, curators, art centres and cultural organisations.

Know an Australian art resource worth listing?

Artsoz is designed to be a practical directory for artists, collectors, students, galleries and art lovers. Send useful art prizes, open calls, galleries, local council resources or learning links.

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