Department of Communications and the Arts to visit Geraldton to discuss First Nations intellectual property

Geraldton residents are being asked to provide feedback on Aboriginal art, as part of a Federal Government push to protect Indigenous intellectual property rights. The Department of Communications and the Arts is seeking information across the country regarding First Nations-style art, with a discussion to take place at Geraldton Multipurpose Centre on Tuesday, April 30. According to the department, the Federal Government has committed to creating legislation to protect the knowledge and intellectual property, and will address the harm fake merchandise — ones created without approval of traditional custodians — has on the community. It is part of the wider National Cultural Policy called Revive, which will implement rules in stages over a five-year period, beginning with addressing false Indigenous art, merchandise and souvenirs. According the policy’s planning document published last year, there has been an increase in demand for First Nations artwork, but it found more than half of the art was produced without permission from traditional custodians. The document said it not only caused harm to Aboriginal artists and communities, but also “cheats” consumers out of receiving authentic items. Those in Geraldton wanting to speak about the issue will be able to have their voices heard, as the department aims to set up open discussions on the issue. It is the only Mid West town that will have an in-person consultation, but other regional areas include Kununurra, Broome and Port Headland. Three online sessions will also be held in June. “For First Nations peoples, culture is more than just visual and performing arts, it includes language, stories, song lines, sacred sites and traditional knowledge,” Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney wrote in the policy. “Connection to culture is integral for the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples, to our sense of identity, and to maintaining the vitality and strength of our communities.”