Australia’s Perth Airport has become a supporter member of the Indigenous Art Code (IartC), which aims to promote the ethical sales of indigenous art.
The Indigenous Art Code was developed after a 2007 Senate enquiry into Australia’s indigenous visual arts industry recommended establishment of a voluntary industry code of conduct that would guide ethical commerce in the sector.
The Western Australian gateway is committed to promoting fair trade in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork, with a specific focus on art products that target the tourism market.
Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport's chief commercial officer, said: "We want transparency and integrity in the market. And the Code can guide retailers to achieve this. We agree with the Indigenous Art Code's concerns regarding selling artworks and artefacts that appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture and designs.
“These goods are usually targeted at the tourism market. Most visitors to Perth and Western Australia travel through this airport. We believe we can make a difference.”
Holsgrove added: "We will promote the Code to passengers wanting to purchase art while in Western Australia, and we will be engaging with our retail partners to encourage alignment to the Code in order to provide our customers with confidence regarding the products available for sale in the airport.
"Perth Airport is committed to reconciliation and recognising the strong cultural connection that the Whadjuk people and other members of the Noongar Nation have to the airport estate – and our association with the Code is just another initiative on our reconciliation journey."
Welcoming the airport’s move, Gabrielle Sullivan, CEO of the Indigenous Art Code, added: “We hope Perth Airport's commitment to promoting fair and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists influences [the airport’s] retail partners to make considered choices in the artwork and art products they stock.”
