Carpetbaggers are on the rise again, threatening Aboriginal art centres
In calling out carpetbaggers, art centres remind us that we all have a role to play in ensuring best practice and the protection of our First Nation artists and communities.
Carpetbaggers, opportunists, white traders – they are thorny terms that have plagued the Aboriginal art market since the 1970s. As we have become more cognisant and respectful of Indigenous makers rights – and the vital role that Aboriginal art centres play in sustaining community and cultural life – the situation has eased in recent years.
However, Skye O’Meara, Manager of APY Art Centre Collective (APYACC) believes that Aboriginal art centres are again under threat, as the international interest in Aboriginal art is forging new highs.
Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW.
Instagram: fairleygina
