Code of Ethics
& Business Practice

All AAAA Members have a responsibility to the artists, the art and the community

A Member must:

• Conduct its affairs in an exemplary manner and with regard to the Aboriginal art industry and the Aboriginal artists it represents;

• Treat all artists fairly and ensure equitable and timely returns to artists;

• Exhibit honesty and integrity in its dealings with the public, artists, Members, other dealers and other industry organisations;

• Be responsible for the proper disclosure of information relating to the authorship and provenance of any work exhibited;

• Refuse to deal with anyone who violates Aboriginal copyright or improperly appropriates Aboriginal imagery;

• Respect the role of Aboriginal community arts organizations while recognising an individual artist’s right to make their own career choices and informed financial decisions;

• Work toward offering high-quality uniform documentation

• Abide by the Aboriginal Art Code ( .pdf |195 kb ); and

• Abide by the following guidelines and principles for contracting with artists:

  • When contracting with an artist, a Member must ask the artist whether there is any reason why the Member should not work with them and whether the artist is exclusively contracted to another gallery or dealer.

  • If the Member is unsure as to the veracity of the artist’s response, particularly where the Member suspects the artist may be contracted in some form or another elsewhere, the Board recommends the Member have the artist sign a declaration to the effect that the artist is free and able to contract with the Member. Standard forms in multiple languages are available from the Secretary.

  • If the Member is aware that the artist works primarily with another Trade, Associate or Corporate Member, the Member shall contact that Trade, Associate or Corporate Member and advise them that the Member and the artist wish to contract.

  • Where there is contact between Members regarding contracting with an artist and to assist in resolving any dispute or disagreement, both Members shall act in good faith, ensuring they first consider the artist and the artist’s desires and always bearing in mind the overarching philosophy of the Association which recognises an individual artist’s right to make their own career choices and informed financial decisions. In the event that agreement cannot be reached and a Member wishes to raise a complaint, the dispute handling and resolution procedures contained in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Constitution of the AAAA will be applied by the Board.

  • The Board recommends strongly against Trade, Associate or Corporate Members entering into exclusive agreements with artists.